By Robert Segawa
Kira Road Police Division have arrested the headteacher of Ta-Aliim Primary School and Quran Memorisation Centre in Kawempe Division to assist with investigations into a suspected poisoning incident that left four female pupils dead and another fighting for her life.
The arrest was made on Wednesday evening, November 11, 2026, following the deaths of the four pupils, who reportedly consumed oranges suspected to have been contaminated with poison.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala identified the suspect as Muzahim Ssuuna, the headteacher of Ta-Aliim Primary School and Quran Memorisation Centre, who is being held at Kira Road Police Station to assist with ongoing investigations.
Kawala said the suspected poisoning occurred on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, and claimed the lives of four girls aged between nine and 11 years. Another pupil remains hospitalised at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where she is receiving treatment.
According to Hassan Magumba, the father of one of the deceased pupils, one of the children had returned to school after a short holiday with oranges from home, which she reportedly shared with other pupils.
Magumba said the oranges were suspected to have been linked to the incident, although the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths had not yet been established.
He reported the matter to Kira Road Police Division, whose officers responded to the school and launched investigations into the suspected poisoning.
Kawala said police had deployed a team of Scene of Crime Officers and homicide detectives to investigate the incident. The officers have also recorded statements from pupils as part of the investigations.
The bodies of the deceased pupils were taken to the City Mortuary at Mulago Hospital for postmortem examinations, while the surviving pupil remains under medical care.
Police investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the suspected poisoning and determine those responsible.
