Four Die After Eating Beef at Burial Ceremony in Rakai

[Da Dona]

Four people have died and more than 10 others have been hospitalised in Lyantonde District after falling ill shortly after eating beef served at a burial ceremony in neighbouring Rakai District.

The victims reportedly ate meat from a bull slaughtered during the burial of a man identified only as Umar.

Masaka Region Police spokesperson SP Twaha Kasirye said three of the deceased have been identified as Charles Bangirana of Kyakabiikwa Village, and Jennifer Ntejerize and Christmas Behekanira, both from Mudaala Village in Lwamaggwa Sub-county, Rakai District. The identity of the fourth victim had not been established by the time of publication.

The bodies have been taken to Lyantonde Hospital mortuary for postmortem examinations, while more than 10 people are receiving treatment at Lyantonde General Hospital.

Police said preliminary investigations point to a possible link between the illnesses and consumption of the meat.

“Almost everyone who ate from this cow has developed health complications. We have also received reports that several other people are at home using traditional medicines to treat the strange illness,” Kasirye said.

Police have collected samples from the deceased and affected areas for laboratory analysis to establish the cause of the illnesses and deaths.

Anthrax Suspected
Although laboratory confirmation is still pending, authorities are investigating a possible anthrax outbreak.

Anthrax is a serious bacterial infection that can spread from infected animals to humans, including through handling or consuming meat from infected animals.

Health and security teams from Rakai and Lyantonde districts are working together to establish the extent of the illnesses and prevent further deaths.

Authorities have expressed concern over reports that some people who ate the suspected meat are treating themselves at home instead of seeking medical attention.

Police have urged anyone who consumed the meat and later develops symptoms to immediately report to the nearest health facility.

The incident has renewed concerns about anthrax in the region following a previous outbreak in neighbouring Kyotera District, where authorities reported dozens of deaths in 2024.

Laboratory tests are now being conducted to establish whether anthrax was responsible for the latest deaths, as authorities continue monitoring the affected communities.

The incident comes amid continued livestock disease concerns across Uganda, with several districts having imposed cattle quarantines over diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease.

Nile post UG​