Tragedy strikes as poisoned food claims lives at burial ceremony in Uganda

UGANDA – At least three individuals have tragically lost their lives, while 46 others have been hospitalized following the consumption of poisoned food during a burial ceremony in Bukasami village, Buyengo town council, located in Jinja District.

The distressing incident occurred during the burial ceremony of Sheik Ahamad Magumba, the area County Khadi, casting a somber shadow over the community’s mourning process.

Forty-six survivors were admitted to Buwenge General Hospital after experiencing severe symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomachache. Dr. Aggrey Bameka, the Medical Superintendent at Buwenge General Hospital, confirmed the tragic loss of two children and one adult among the casualties.

Despite the grim circumstances, Dr. Bameka provided a glimmer of hope by reporting that nine patients have shown signs of improvement and have been discharged from the hospital.

He elucidated that the patients exhibited similar symptoms due to their consumption of a shared meal during the burial ceremony. The prevalence of symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, convulsions, and blood-stained diarrhea accentuates the severity of the poisoning incident.

The hospital faced challenges in managing the influx of patients, grappling with inadequate medical supplies and resources to address the urgent medical needs of the affected individuals.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the suspected food poisoning incident, with blood samples sent to a hub system in Kampala to determine the exact cause of death and illness. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to provide necessary medical support and assistance to the affected individuals and their families.

In the wake of this unprecedented tragedy, the community has rallied together to support the victims and their families.

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