Two children die after eating poisonous cassava

Two children in Lokitelaebu Town Council in Kotido District have died after reportedly eating toxic cassava tubers.

The deceased, aged seven and eleven years, are children of Mr Kapel Lokwamoe, a resident of Kalojuka village in the town council.

Mr Owiny Dolo, a resident of Lokitelaebu said the parents of the children were not at home at the time of the incident.

He said neighbours found  bodies of the children at their home on Monday afternoon.

According to Mr Owiny, the children were reportedly hungry and uprooted the tubers of the poisonous cassava and ate them.

 The toxic cassava plant is mostly planted at various homes to provide a shade.

Kotido District Police Commander, Mr Apollo Kyangungu confirmed the death of youngsters saying he is yet to confirm the cause of death.

Reports from Lokitelaebu say, other children who reportedly shared the tubers are receiving treatment at Lokitelaebu Health Centre.

 A number of families in Karamoja region are facing serious hunger following poor yields last year. While the region received heavy rains, some people did not plant crops while those who planted, got miserable yields due to pests.

The hunger is forcing many children especially girls to travel to neighbouring Teso and Lango sub regions to offer labour in exchange for food.