At least 22 people have been hospitalized at Butiaba health center III in Buliisa district with suspected food poisoning.

The patients, 19 children, 2 women and a man whose particulars were not readily available were rushed to the health facility after they were served with food which locals suspect to have been laced with poison.

The residents are from different families in the village of Magali, Butiaba town council.

Moses Asaba, the Butiaba town council LCIII chairperson told Uganda Radio Network in an interview that some family members of the victims bought cassava flour from an unidentified woman in Butiaba market on Wednesday afternoon, that is suspected to have been laced with poison.

He said after they bought the cassava flour, they prepared food for their families.

According to Asaba, after eating the food, all the 22 residents developed severe stomach complications, diarrhoea, vomiting, and headache.

Moses Kaahwa, the in charge of Butiaba health center III says some of the patients were admitted at the facility while in critical condition. He however says their condition is drastically improving saying most of them are out of danger after getting treatment.

Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson says investigations into the matter have commenced.

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