By our Reporter,
NTUNGAMO,
More than 100 pupils at Kajumbajumba Primary School were hospitalized after being mistakenly given a sedative instead of deworming medicine during a routine government health exercise.
The incident occurred in Kyafoora Parish, Rugarama North Sub-county, where children under 12 were taking part in the Integrated Child Days (ICDs) program, which provides vaccines and deworming tablets.
Instead of Albendazole, pupils were given Phenobarbitone, a sedative normally used for patients with mental or violent conditions. At least 44 children were admitted to health facilities, while others experienced milder reactions.
Kajumbajumba Primary School headteacher, James Abaho, said: “Students in Primary Seven were largely unaffected, but over 60 children suffered adverse effects.”
Parents rushed to the school, describing the scene as heartbreaking. Loice Ainembabazi, a parent, appealed for professional medical support from the government.
Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner, Miriam Kagaiga, urged calm, stressing the error was unintentional. “What happened should not stop you from taking your children for immunization. We are grateful the children are now getting relief,” she said.
Authorities confirmed all affected pupils are now stable. Investigations are ongoing to determine how the hospital-grade drug reached the school and to prevent future incidents.
