Four people have died in Rakai District after reportedly developing a serious illness following the consumption of beef from a cow suspected to have been infected.
The deaths have prompted police and health authorities to launch investigations to establish what caused the illness and whether the meat was responsible.
The victims were residents of Muddala, Kyakabikwa and Kyabigondo villages in Lwamagwa Sub-county. Police identified three of those who died as Charles Bangirana, Jennifer Ntegyeriize and Christmas Behakanira, while the identity of the fourth victim was still unknown by Thursday.
According to police, the victims became ill after eating beef served during a burial ceremony in Rakai over the weekend. One of them reportedly died while receiving treatment at a health facility in neighbouring Lyantonde District, while the other three died from their respective homes.
Victims Reportedly Developed Similar Symptoms
Witnesses and preliminary police information indicate that the illness reportedly started with a scab appearing on the arm, followed by rapid swelling around the chest.
The victims are said to have died approximately two days after developing the symptoms, raising concern among residents in the affected communities.
Southern Regional Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye said blood samples had been collected and submitted to the Government Analytical Laboratory in Kampala for testing.
He said the District Security Committee had convened an emergency meeting and agreed to send health teams to the affected communities as investigations continue.
Residents Urged to Seek Medical Care
Kasirye urged members of the public who develop unusual or serious symptoms to seek medical attention rather than attempting to treat themselves.
He said investigations were still underway and appealed to residents to remain calm while awaiting the laboratory findings.
Authorities also urged anyone who notices similar symptoms in their communities to immediately report them to health officials and avoid self-medication.
Similar Incident Reported in Kyotera
The deaths have raised memories of a similar health scare in neighbouring Kyotera District in 2022.
At the time, several residents of Kijonjo Parish in Kasasa Sub-county died after developing what was initially described as a mysterious illness.
Subsequent laboratory investigations by the Ministry of Health attributed those deaths to cellulitis, a bacterial infection affecting the skin and underlying tissues.
Health officials have previously cautioned communities against relying on traditional remedies when dealing with serious bacterial infections, warning that delays in receiving appropriate treatment can lead to severe complications.
For now, authorities in Rakai are waiting for the Government Analytical Laboratory results to determine the actual cause of the latest deaths and establish whether there is any connection between the illness and the consumption of the beef.
Officials have not yet confirmed that the meat caused the deaths.