The Territorial Police in Mt. Moroto, is actively investigating the death of three people in Amudat and Napak districts, respectively, from eating adulterated or poisonous food supplied by the World Food Programme (WFP) to pregnant women and malnourished children. The three deceased persons include; Chemikan Seliang, a 67 year old female adult of Amunan village, Amudat district and Logit Marino, a 58year old, male adult of Kapilacan village, Kokipurat parish, Lowugechora sub county in Napak district , and Sagal Mate , a 68 year old male adult who died from Matany Hospital, in Napak District .
A total of 18 victims from Amudat District , suffered health complications of bleeding from the nose , diarrhea , and were admitted at Alakas Health Centre III in Amudat District , some were discharged. An additional 140 victims were admitted at Matany Hospital in Napak district, with similar health complications
The police has obtained samples of urine and blood, vomits, and left over’s from the victims homes and sent to the Government Analytical Laboratory [GAL] for further forensic analysis .
Further samples of the relief items were picked from the Health Centers and the WFP stores for further chemical analysis.
We want to inform the public that our investigations are completely dependent on the forensic outcome from the GAL, that would help determine whether there was a poisonous bacterium in the food that is dangerous for human consumption and health. The police is reminding all victims and families still with the stock in their homes to return it immediately to the Health Centers for storage, awaiting outcome of the laboratory examination.
Meanwhile, statements have been obtained from the surviving victims, witnesses, officials at the health centres and World Food Program in the area.
Inquiries will be expanded into the inspection and oversight procedures if any poisonous substances are established in the food.
CP Enanga Fred
Police Spokesperson
18th March 2019
