The Ministry of Health has started an investigation into an incident which left over 100 school-going children fighting for their lives after a health team in Ntungamo District mistakenly administered the wrong medicine.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, the incident occurred on October 30, 2025, during the Integrated Child Health Days (ICHD) at Kajumbajumba Primary School, Kyafora Parish in Rugarama North Subcounty, Ntungamo District.
The Ministry said a district health team unintentionally gave Phenobarbitone, a drug used to control epileptic seizures, instead of Albendazole, which is used for deworming.
“Findings indicate that the team mistakenly administered a medicine called Phenobarbitone which is used as an anticonvulsant to control epileptic seizures instead of Albendazole which is used for deworming,” the Ministry explained.
As a result, 100 children developed symptoms of drowsiness and were immediately evacuated for medical attention at Itojo General Hospital, Rwashamaire Health Center IV, and Rubaare Health Center IV. All affected children received prompt medical care, were stabilized, and later discharged.
The Ministry identified the known side effects of Phenobarbitone as sleepiness, vomiting, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, slow speech, and constipation.
The ICHD program, which is conducted every April and October, delivers a package of essential health services such as Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, immunization, and community health education. The activities are jointly supervised by the Ministry of Health and district health teams.
The Ministry has instituted a comprehensive investigation team to establish the circumstances that led to the mix-up and promised disciplinary action against those found culpable.
“The health workers and support staff involved in this gross error will be held accountable, and appropriate disciplinary and corrective actions will be taken immediately,” the statement read.
The Ministry of Health extended its heartfelt apologies to all affected children, parents, and families. “The safety and wellbeing of all Ugandans, especially children, remain our top priority,” the Ministry emphasized.
The Ministry also commended the Ntungamo District Health Team and staff at Itojo General Hospital, Rwashamaire Health Center IV, and Rubaare Health Center IV for their swift response, which ensured that all affected children received timely medical care.
In the statement signed by Dr. Daniel J. Kyabayinze on behalf of the Director General of Health Services, the Ministry reassured the public that all future health outreach and immunization activities would continue safely under strengthened oversight and quality assurance measures.
