By Swift Reporter
Twenty-five pupils of Buwanda Primary School in Nawampiti Sub-county, Luuka District, are receiving treatment after they reportedly fell ill from eating white ants believed to have been contaminated with poison.
The incident happened on Thursday and caused panic at the school as teachers and local leaders rushed to help the affected learners, who were later taken to Kiyunga Health Centre IV for treatment.
Luuka Resident District Commissioner Michael Kibwika said the pupils were responding to treatment and that medical workers were closely monitoring their condition.
“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 treatment, and so far all cases are under management,” Kibwika said.
According to preliminary information, one of the pupils reportedly brought white ants to school and shared them with classmates during break time. Shortly afterwards, several of the children began showing signs of poisoning, prompting school authorities to seek urgent medical assistance.
The pupil who allegedly brought the insects is said to have left the school before authorities could question him.
Police have since launched investigations to establish how the white ants became contaminated and whether they had been deliberately poisoned before being brought to school.
Kibwika said security agencies are searching for the pupil as part of the ongoing investigations.
“The police have mounted a search for the culprits and further details will be disclosed at an appropriate time,” he said.
The incident has left many parents worried, with several rushing to the health facility after learning that their children had been admitted.
Education and health officials have also visited the school as investigations continue into what exactly happened.
White ants are a popular seasonal delicacy in many parts of Uganda and are commonly eaten roasted or fried. However, authorities suspect the insects consumed by the pupils may have come into contact with poison before they were brought to school.
Police have urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue, saying more information will be released once the circumstances surrounding the incident have been established.
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