25 Luuka Pupils Hospitalised After Eating Poison-Contaminated White Ants

Twenty-five pupils of Buwanda Primary School in Nawampiti, Luuka District, have been hospitalised after reportedly eating white ants believed to have been contaminated with poison.

The incident occurred on Thursday, causing panic at the school as the affected pupils were rushed to Kiyunga Health Centre IV for treatment.

Luuka Resident District Commissioner Michael Kibwika said the pupils were receiving medical care and remained under close observation.

“Twenty-five pupils at Buwanda Primary School in Nawampiti have been poisoned. The victims have been evacuated to Kiyunga Health Centre IV where they are undergoing serious treatment, and so far all cases are under management,” Kibwika said.

According to preliminary information from the RDC, one pupil brought the white ants to school, shared them with classmates, and later disappeared from the school.

“The cause is that one pupil came with white ants that had poison and shared with colleagues, and after that he disappeared,” Kibwika said.

Police have launched a search for the pupil as investigations continue to determine how the white ants became contaminated and the circumstances under which they were distributed.

“The police has mounted a search for the culprits and further details will be disclosed at an appropriate time,” Kibwika said.

The affected pupils remain admitted at Kiyunga Health Centre IV, where health workers are monitoring their condition and providing treatment.

School authorities and parents have been urged to remain calm as police and other relevant authorities investigate the incident.

Education and health officials have also been deployed to the school to support the affected pupils and their families.

The incident has raised concerns among parents and local leaders over food safety and the supervision of pupils at school, particularly regarding food brought onto school premises and shared among learners.

Authorities are expected to release more information as investigations continue.