By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
Isingiro
The Isingiro District is currently mourning the loss of Tumusime Richmond, an 11-year-old pupil of Citizen Nursery and Primary School. Tumusime passed away on the 24th of September 2023 at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital after allegedly drinking water that had been laced with poison. According to the police, investigations are still ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the pupil’s death.
The tragedy reportedly occurred at around 1:00 PM when Tumusime had his lunch and later drank water from his bottle. His classmates claim that after drinking the water, he cautioned them not to take it, claiming that it contained jolly jas that was only meant for him.
Shortly after taking what was contained in his bottle, Tumusime began to vomit profusely before losing consciousness. He was quickly rushed to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital at around 2:00 PM for treatment.
Sadly, Tumusime passed on at approximately 8:00 PM, causing shock and sadness among his classmates, teachers, and family. Exact details surrounding Tumusime’s passing and the cause of the suspected poisoning are still under investigation, with police seeking to interview anyone who may have been able to shed light on his troubling circumstances.
SSP Samson Kasasira revealed to our reporter that preliminary investigations by the police indicate that the deceased was unhappy in boarding school, in part because he was not used to eating only posho and beans. It remains unclear, however, whether this was a contributing factor to Tumusime’s suspected suicide by poisoning.
The body of the deceased is currently in the mortuary at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital pending a postmortem examination. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with relevant information that could help shed light on Tumusime’s passing to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigations.
The tragedy has rocked the Isingiro District and Citizen Nursery and Primary School, where he was a beloved pupil. The community is now left mourning the loss of a bright young life that ended much too soon under tragic circumstances.
