KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Ministry of Health has issued a public apology and launched an investigation after a health team in Ntungamo District mistakenly administered an anti-epilepsy drug to school children instead of a deworming tablet.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The alarming incident occurred on Thursday, October 30, 2025, during the national Integrated Child Health Days (ICHD) at Kajumbajumba Primary School in Rugarama North Sub-county.
In a press release dated November 4, 2025, signed by Dr. Daniel J. Kyabayinze, the Director General of Health Services, the Ministry stated that a district health team from Kyafoora Health Center II unintentionally gave the children Phenobarbitone, a potent anticonvulsant used to control epileptic seizures, instead of the intended Albendazole dewormer.
The medicine mix-up led to approximately 100 children experiencing drowsiness and other symptoms.
They were immediately evacuated to Itojo General Hospital, Rwashamaire Health Center IV, and Rubaare Health Center IV for emergency medical attention.
The Ministry of Health confirmed that all affected children received prompt medical care, have been discharged, and were the recipients of the Ministry’s “heartfelt apologies” for the incident.
The ICHDs are a key government program conducted every April and October to deliver essential services like Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and catch-up immunizations to children across Uganda.
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