Police in Busoga North are investigating circumstances surrounding the death of a seven-year-old boy who allegedly died after consuming suspected poisonous cassava in Kaliro District. The deceased, identified as Jordan Batuli, was a Primary One pupil at Nangala Primary School and a resident of Nangala A Village in Bukamba Sub-county. He was living with his father, Bernard Gooli.
The incident occurred after several residents reportedly bought dry cassava from a moving truck on the evening of September 27, 2026, and prepared it for supper. According to the affected residents, several people developed severe stomach upsets shortly after eating the cassava and sought medical attention at Nawampiti Health Centre III.
Batuli, however, succumbed to the illness and died. His body was taken to the mortuary for a postmortem examination before being handed over to his relatives for burial. His father, Bernard Gooli, who is still admitted at Nawampiti Health Centre III, said he first soaked the dry cassava in water before boiling it for the family of four. Gooli said the family began experiencing diarrhoea-like symptoms shortly after eating the meal, prompting them to seek treatment.
He said he was devastated by the death of his only son and called on police to conduct a thorough investigation into the source of the cassava. Another victim, Halima Musiili, said she collapsed after experiencing severe stomach pain for nearly an hour. Musiili said the cassava appeared clean and had no visible mould, but she developed severe stomach pain and vomiting shortly after eating it.
She said that upon arriving at Nawampiti Health Centre III, she found several other residents receiving treatment for similar symptoms after consuming the cassava. Musiili has called for an investigation into the source of the cassava, saying it may have been unfit for human consumption.
Bernard Kulaba, the Vice Chairperson of Kaliro District, said about 30 people were affected after consuming the suspected poisonous cassava, with 11 still admitted at Nawampiti Health Centre III. Kulaba said 18 others had opted to use herbs and milk in an attempt to relieve their symptoms. He urged all affected residents to seek treatment from recognised health facilities with qualified medical personnel instead of relying on traditional remedies, which he warned could worsen their condition.
Busoga North Police spokesperson Samson Lubega confirmed the incident and said police teams had been dispatched to collect samples of the suspected poisonous cassava for further investigation. Police are expected to establish the source of the cassava and determine what caused the illness as investigations continue-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
