The Ministry of Health has issued a formal apology following an “unfortunate incident” in which a team of health workers gave the wrong medication to pupils during the ongoing Integrated Child Health Days (ICHD) exercise in Ntungamo District.
The mix-up occurred on October 30, 2025, at Kajumbajumba Primary School in Kyafoora Parish, Rugarama North Subcounty, when pupils were accidentally given Phenobarbitone—an anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy—instead of Albendazole, an anti-parasitic deworming drug.
According to the Ministry, the error stemmed from a confusion of medicine tins by a team comprising an enrolled nurse, a midwife, and a nursing assistant from Kyafoora Health Center II. Out of 340 children who received the drug, 100 developed symptoms such as drowsiness and vomiting. They were rushed to Itojo General Hospital, Rwashamaire Health Center IV, and Rubaare Health Center IV for treatment.
All affected pupils were stabilized and later discharged. The Ministry commended the swift response by the Ntungamo District Health Team and medical staff who managed the emergency.
Dr. Daniel J. Kyabayinze, speaking on behalf of the Director General of Health Services, described the incident as “deeply regrettable” and confirmed that a comprehensive investigation has been launched to determine the cause and ensure accountability.
“The safety and well-being of Ugandans—especially children—remain our top priority,” Dr. Kyabayinze said, adding that future health outreaches and immunization activities will operate under strengthened supervision and quality assurance measures.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to restoring public confidence in community health programs, assuring parents that lessons from the Ntungamo incident will guide improved drug handling protocols going forward.
