Several students from Ndejje Senior Secondary School in Luwero district have been hospitalized after consuming contaminated food.
Over 17 students are currently receiving treatment at Mengo, Nakasero, and Rubaga hospitals, according to a source.
School’s Response
In a statement issued yesterday, the headteacher, David B. Ssenkungu, expressed deep concern over the incident.
He assured parents and guardians that the school is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
“You may have heard that on Saturday, after the sports day event, one of our students shared contaminated food brought in by his parent with his friends.
“This affected a number of them. The children were given first aid and later rushed to preferred hospitals for medical attention, in consultation with their parents.
“All the affected children are being monitored in those hospitals and are recovering well. We will continue to monitor them to full recovery,” Ssenkungu stated.
Ssenkungu also mentioned that the school would consult with other stakeholders to devise a plan to prevent such incidents in the future.
Police Involvement
The Savannah regional police spokesperson, Sam Twinamazima, stated that they are aware of the matter but have left it to the school administration to handle.
“We looked at it as an administrative matter and left the school to handle. The school administration is managing the situation. The last time I checked, the affected students responded well to the treatment,” he said.
Educationists’ Perspectives
Patrick Kaboyo, the national secretary of the Federation of Non-State Education Institutions, emphasized that food not prepared at schools should be prohibited to ensure safety and security. He also suggested that schools with canteens should consult food scientists to test the foods provided.
“There are basic requirements and minimum standards for schools which have been there as guidelines for the security and health of students. I think schools should be serious and realign their security measures,” Kaboyo stated.
He stressed that schools should reject food not prepared on campus and enforce strict security measures.
Dr. George William Ssemivule, the former headteacher of Ndejje SS, acknowledged the difficulty schools face in preventing such incidents, especially during visitation days. He emphasized the importance of registration in visitors’ books to trace individuals in case of such events.
“Schools have bottom-line rules for visitors. Visitors should register and indicate who they have come to see at the school gate so that they can be traced when such a thing occurs,” Ssemivule said. He recommended that parents eat with their children on-site to avoid sharing food that could potentially harm others.
Ministry’s Response
Ketty Lamaro, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, emphasized the importance of proper food safety measures.
She cautioned against overreacting and mentioned that a team was sent to investigate the incident.
“We found that about 20 students were affected. Fortunately, I am told many of them have been discharged,” Lamaro stated.
Past Incidents
In July last year, over 150 students from Nakanyonyi Senior Secondary School in Mukono district were hospitalized, with two fatalities, after consuming contaminated food. The exact source of the contamination was never conclusively determined.
How It Happened
According to a parent, the school held a sports day last Saturday. After the event, a school official delivered food, including chicken, to a stepson who shared it with friends in the dormitory.
A few hours after eating the chicken, the students experienced abdominal pain and vomiting.
The source mentioned that the official, being a prominent leader at the school, was not scrutinized by security personnel.
Moving Forward
The incident at Ndejje Senior Secondary School highlights the need for stringent food safety measures and careful monitoring of food brought onto school premises.
The school administration, along with relevant stakeholders, will work to ensure such incidents do not recur, prioritizing the health and safety of all students.
