Ntungamo Parents Seek Compensation Over Deworming Blunder

Residents of Kyafoora Parish in Rugarama North Sub-county, Rushenyi County, Ntungamo District, have accused district leaders and the health department of neglecting families whose children were allegedly affected after being administered the wrong medication during a school health exercise.

The parents claim that on 30th October 2025, a medical team from Kyafoora Health Centre II visited Kajumbajumba Primary School to carry out a routine deworming exercise. However, instead of administering Mebendazole tablets, the team allegedly gave pupils Phenobarbitone tablets, resulting in health complications among 138 learners.

According to the affected families, six pupils developed severe health complications and were forced to drop out of school for several months as they underwent treatment. Parents say they incurred substantial medical expenses, including the cost of medication, transport, meals, and other necessities while caring for their children.

The parents further allege that despite assurances from Ntungamo District authorities that they would be compensated and supported throughout the recovery process, no compensation or follow-up assistance has been provided. They say many of the affected children missed a significant period of learning, while some later transferred to other schools due to the trauma associated with the incident.

The families have also expressed concern over the possible long-term health effects of the medication error, calling on the Ministry of Health and Ntungamo District Local Government to conduct comprehensive medical assessments and provide specialized treatment to all affected children. They are also demanding compensation for the financial losses and emotional distress suffered by both parents and the school community.

The Headteacher of Kajumbajumba Primary School, James Munyakazi Abaho, said the incident had a significant impact on the school. He noted that although 138 pupils were affected, six suffered severe complications and failed to report for the first term of 2026. He added that the school incurred losses exceeding UGX 3 million after teachers used part of their salaries to support the treatment of affected pupils. According to the headteacher, the incident also contributed to a decline in school enrolment as some teachers and pupils left following the ordeal.

Efforts to obtain a comment from the Ntungamo District Health Officer, Dr. Amon Bahati, regarding the reported compensation plans and the district’s response to the incident were unsuccessful, as his known telephone contacts went unanswered.

Parents and members of the school community are now appealing to the government to provide full compensation to affected families, carry out medical sensitization, and facilitate comprehensive examinations and treatment by specialist doctors to determine and address any long-term health effects arising from the medication error.