Ugandan authorities have launched an investigation into the deaths of four schoolgirls following a suspected poisoning incident at Ta’aliim Primary School and Quran Memorisation Centre in Kampala.
The deaths have raised concerns among parents, teachers and members of the local community, with police working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the four pupils died on November 10, 2026, under circumstances suspected to be connected to poisoning.
The children were attending the school located in Kikulu Zone, Kikaaya Parish, within Kampala’s Kawempe Division.
Police identified the deceased pupils as Nakitende Mariam, aged 11; Kiruta Rwahim, aged 11; Nasuna Nusufa, aged 11; and Nabeta Failuzi, aged nine.
The police statement indicated that three of the children reportedly died at their respective homes, while the fourth died at Kasangati Hospital.
Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine what happened and whether poisoning was responsible for the deaths.
Post-mortem examinations are expected to provide additional medical information and help establish the exact cause of death.
The police have not yet established the substance that may have caused the suspected poisoning or confirmed the circumstances under which the children were exposed to it.
Investigators are expected to examine available evidence and establish whether there was any connection between the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The incident has also raised questions about safety measures within educational institutions and the importance of monitoring activities that could expose children to dangerous substances.
Schools are generally expected to provide safe environments where pupils can learn without being exposed to preventable health and safety risks.
Parents and guardians also depend on school authorities to maintain proper supervision and ensure that children are protected during school activities.
Cases involving suspected poisoning require careful investigation because the symptoms and circumstances may be similar to those associated with other medical conditions.
Medical examinations and laboratory investigations are therefore important in determining whether a toxic substance was involved.
The Uganda Police Force has said that the investigation is being handled by officers attached to the Kira Road Division.
Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala confirmed that authorities were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The authorities have not announced a final conclusion regarding the cause of death.
The school community is also expected to face emotional difficulties following the loss of four young pupils.
The deaths have renewed attention on the importance of child protection, school safety and effective communication between educational institutions and parents.
Health and safety experts generally advise that children should not consume unidentified substances or food and drinks from unknown sources.
However, it is important that investigators establish the actual circumstances of this incident before conclusions are drawn about how the children became ill.
Authorities are expected to provide further information as the investigation progresses.
For the affected families, the immediate priority remains obtaining clear answers about the deaths and ensuring that the circumstances are properly investigated.
The outcome of the police investigation and post-mortem examinations will be important in determining whether poisoning occurred and whether anyone should face further questioning or legal action.
