By Ismail Bategeka
www.mknewslink.com
In Kampala—–
Four female pupils have died in a suspected poisoning incident at Ta-Aliim Primary School and Quran Memorisation Centre, prompting police to arrest the school’s headteacher as investigations get underway.
The four children, aged between nine and 11, reportedly died on November 10, 2026, under circumstances police suspect could be related to poisoning.
The deceased have been identified as Nakitende Mariam, a Primary Four pupil; Kiruta Rwahim, a Primary Five pupil; Nasuna Nusufa, also in Primary Four; and Nabeta Failuzi, a Primary Three pupil.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala, three of the children reportedly died at their respective homes, while the fourth died at Kasangati Hospital. Another pupil is fighting for her life at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
“Three of the children reportedly died at their respective homes, the fourth passed away at Kasangati Hospital, while another is fighting for her life at Mulago National Referral Hospital,” Kawala said.
Following the preliminary findings, police arrested the school’s headteacher, identified as Mr Muzahim Ssuuna, to assist with ongoing investigations.
Police have not yet established the substance suspected to have caused the deaths or confirmed whether the incident involved contaminated food, chemicals or another poisonous substance.
Kawala said post-mortem examinations would be conducted on the bodies to establish the definitive medical cause of death and guide further investigations.
Detectives have since commenced inquiries to establish the sequence of events leading to the deaths and determine whether chemical or food poisoning was involved.
“Police investigations are actively ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths and determine whether poisoning was involved. Further updates will be provided as more actionable information becomes available,” she said.
The latest tragedy comes amid previous reported cases of suspected poisoning involving children in Uganda.
In August 2025, a 44-year-old man, Wilson Kiiza, was accused of poisoning himself and his four children following a domestic dispute.
The children, aged 14, 12, eight and five, were allegedly lured to a banana plantation, where they were given a poisonous mixture disguised as cough medicine.
Two children died upon arrival at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, while a third died later that night. The fourth child reportedly remained in critical condition alongside their father.