Christmas celebrations turned tragic for a family in Laberdog village, Ongany Parish, Pader Sub-County, after consuming “Kanyimuru,” a locally brewed soft drink that is suspected to have been poisoned. The incident, which occurred on Christmas, left a three-year-old boy dead and ten others hospitalized at Kilak Health Centre III.
They were later admitted to Pader Health Centre III on Thursday afternoon. The deceased, Stephen Omara, died of severe vomiting and diarrhea, while the rest of the family continued to receive treatment. The affected individuals include the family head Denis Kilama, 58, Christine Abonyo, 48, Andrew Ojara, 25, Shaloom Lamaro, 7, Brian Oyuba, 14, Joel Okot, 7, James Okot, 9, Gloria Aceng, 12, Angel Amarorwot, 4, and Brian Wokorach, 11.
Kainan Okello, the LC III Chairperson of Pader Sub-County, expressed deep concern over the tragedy. “Upon receiving reports, I immediately visited Kilak Health Centre III to assess the situation. The victims were suffering from severe vomiting and diarrhea. Some, like the children, were in critical condition,” he said. He added that one victim who did not eat meat but drank the brew also fell sick, while another who neither ate nor drank remained unaffected.
Okello assured that investigations are ongoing and urged the community to remain vigilant about food safety during festive seasons.
Jackson Bogere, the Pader District Police Commander, confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing with support from health officials. Reports have been made to Kilak Police Station. Reports indicate some victims are improving, but monitoring continues. Meanwhile, residents have expressed concern and called for stricter food safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
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