Twenty-five pupils of Buwanda Primary School in Nawampiti, Luuka District, have been hospitalised after reportedly eating white ants that had been contaminated with poison.
The incident occurred on Thursday, triggering panic at the school as the affected pupils were rushed to Kiyunga Health Centre IV for treatment.
Luuka Resident District Commissioner Michael Kibwika said the pupils were receiving medical attention and were under close monitoring.
According to preliminary information provided by the RDC, one of the pupils brought the white ants to school and shared them with classmates before disappearing from the school.
Police have launched a search for the pupil as investigations continue to establish how the insects became contaminated and the circumstances surrounding their distribution.
The affected pupils were taken to Kiyunga Health Centre IV, where health workers are monitoring their condition and providing treatment.
School authorities and parents have been urged to remain calm as police and other authorities investigate the incident.
Education and health officials have also been deployed to the school to provide support to the affected pupils and their families.
The incident has raised concerns among parents and local leaders about food safety and the supervision of pupils at school, particularly regarding food brought onto school premises and shared among learners.
Authorities are expected to provide further information as investigations into the incident continue.