In Summary: A total of twenty-six pupils of Buwanda Primary School in Luuka District are receiving treatment after allegedly eating white ants suspected to have been laced with poison by a fellow learner, prompting police and health authorities to launch investigations.
Luuka, Uganda: At least 26 pupils of Buwanda Primary School in Nawampiti Sub-county, Luuka District, were hospitalised after allegedly eating white ants suspected to have been laced with poison and shared by a fellow pupil on Thursday.
The affected learners, all from the lower primary section, were rushed to Kiyunga Health Centre IV after they developed severe stomach pains shortly after consuming the insects. Health workers said the pupils were responding to treatment as investigations continued to establish the exact substance involved.
According to preliminary reports, a Primary One pupil brought white ants from home and shared them with classmates. Moments later, several children began complaining of stomach pain, prompting teachers and school administrators to rush them for emergency medical care.
The Headteacher of Buwanda Primary School, Moses Olupoto, confirmed the incident, saying medical personnel were still conducting examinations to determine the exact cause of the illness.
“We are waiting for the doctor’s report to ascertain the exact cause of the stomach problems. For now, all the affected children are receiving treatment at Kiyunga Health Centre IV,” Olupoto said.
He added that the school administration is working closely with local leaders, health officials and parents to ensure all affected pupils receive appropriate care while monitoring the situation.
Parents who gathered at Kiyunga Health Centre IV expressed shock and concern over the incident, calling for stronger measures to safeguard children while at school.
Nawampiti Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Charles Baisi Banuuli appealed to parents to play a more active role in ensuring their children have safe food while at school.
“Let us avoid situations where children carry food from home that we do not know the source of. Parents should pack lunch or make arrangements with the school so that children are fed safely,” Banuuli said.
Luuka District LCV Chairperson Peter Kafuko Mulyandawo urged parents and guardians to closely monitor what children carry to school and educate them about the dangers of consuming food from unknown sources.
“I ask parents to caution their children to avoid eating whatever they come across and always monitor the package being carried by their children to school,” Kafuko said.
Health workers at Kiyunga Health Centre IV said most of the pupils were in stable condition and responding well to treatment. They noted that laboratory tests were underway to determine whether the white ants had indeed been contaminated with poison or another harmful substance.
Police in Luuka confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Authorities said the Primary One pupil at the centre of the incident has been identified and is being handled in accordance with child protection procedures by Child and Family Protection officers.
Education and health officials have since announced plans to conduct sensitisation campaigns in schools across Nawampiti Sub-county and neighbouring areas to promote food safety, child protection and awareness among learners.
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