Mityana, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Two school cooks in Mityana have been arrested in connection with a poisoning incident at Golden Learning Centre Nursery and Primary School, where approximately 100 out of 350 pupils fell ill from suspected food poisoning. The arrested individuals are Alfred Kule and Edgar Mumbere. However, there is currently no concrete evidence linking them to the poisoning.

Racheal Kawala, the Wamala regional police spokesperson, stated that the arrests were made to assist ongoing investigations. Food samples from the school have been collected for forensic analysis at the Directorate of Forensic Sciences in Naguru.

The suspects claimed they prepared the food as usual and ensured the kitchen’s security. Police suspect that poor food storage might be the cause of the poisoning, similar to a previous incident at Nakanyonyi Secondary School in Mukono.

As investigations continue, the school has been temporarily closed, with only 50 students still under medical monitoring in various health facilities. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported. Most affected students complained of stomachaches, headaches, and vomiting shortly after consuming lunch (Posho and beans).

Police have taken statements from over 20 witnesses, including the discharged victims, to further the investigation. The school is situated in Mityana District, Namungo Central Village, Namungo Parish, Namungo Sub-county.

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