Three Die of Suspected Poisoning in Jinja, 72 under Treatment
By Fredrick Siminyu
Three people have so far died of suspected poisoning and doctors at Buwenge General Hospital in Jinja District are tirelessly working round the clock to save the lives of the remaining seventy-two currently admitted for medical management at the facility.
Fear engulfed residents of Bukasame village, Buyengo Town Council in Jinja district on Thursday when people developed running stomachs then started collapsing and fainting after eating food served at a burial ceremony.
“The district councilor representing Buyengo Town Council, Samuel Akalyamawa tearfully said they are currently not certain of the exact number of persons affected since ambulances are still bringing more from the villages.
“My people started developing running stomachs and serious stomachache after eating cooked rice at the funeral. It was like a joke, but the situation got worse when about fifty raised the same complaints,” said Akalyamawa,
The tragic incident unfolded after the burial of a senior resident of the area known as Sheikh Ahammed Magumba, the County Khad of Kagoma “C,” who had suddenly died at Bugiri district on Sunday during an evening prayer and the body was transferred to Jinja for burial..
Most victims, according to reports, include members of nearby same familes and some have been referred to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for further management.
One of the victims, Jackline Nakilnda, said she regrets having eaten the rice though it tasted delicious and prays for Government intervention because even beds are not enough at the facility forcing three people to share one bed.
More reports indicate that others who had vacated the burial site to their respective designations are as well ailing and being managed at nearby health facilities wherever they are.
So far a team of Uganda Red Cross Society is on site providing some assistance.
Stanley Waako, the Medical Laboratory Scientist at the hospital, said blood and food samples have been taken to Jinja hospital to for tests to find out cause of the sickness.
“We don’t have a laboratory to test poisonous substances here. The results of the blood we have taken to Jinja are expected to be out by tomorrow evening,” stated Waako, “We are managing the patients and the unmanaged ones are being referred to Jinja hospital.
