Police are investigating the deaths of four pupils ages 9 to 11 in Kampala, with another child hospitalized as investigators examine reports that the children ate oranges shared at school

Kampala, Uganda – Four girls have died in a suspected poisoning incident involving pupils at Ta’aliim Primary School and Quran Memorisation Centre in Kampala, Uganda, prompting a police investigation.

Four pupils dead, one in the hospital

The children, ages 9 to 11, reportedly fell ill on Nov. 10. Three died at their homes, while the fourth died at Kasangati Hospital, where she had been taken for treatment. Another pupil remains in the hospital.

Oranges shared at school under scrutiny

According to accounts from the school community, eight pupils shared oranges brought to the school by another learner, after which several children began vomiting.

Police forensic officers have reportedly recovered orange peels from the premises for examination as investigators seek to establish whether the fruit was contaminated.

Police investigate, head teacher arrested

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala said detectives at Kira Road Police Division were investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Post-mortem examinations are expected to establish the cause of death and determine whether poisoning was involved.

The school’s head teacher, identified in local media reports as Muzahim Ssuuna, has been arrested to assist with the inquiry. Police have also cordoned off the school as a crime scene while investigations continue.

Cause not yet confirmed

Authorities have not confirmed that the oranges caused the deaths or established what substance may have been involved. The investigation is expected to examine the food reportedly consumed by the pupils and the circumstances in which they became ill.