Ice cream-vending couple arrested over suspected poisoning

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A couple has been arrested to help police in the investigation of a suspected food poisoning incident that occurred in Kinogozi parish in Buhimba sub-county, Kikuube district, on Christmas Day.

The suspects have been identified as Michael Babwetera and his wife, Jemima Kabakamu, who were vending ice cream in Kinogozi trading centre on Christmas Day.

While speaking on Monday, December 30, 2024, Julius Allan Hakiza, the Albertine Police spokesperson, said the suspects were arrested from their hideouts in Kinuubi cell, Hoima East Division, Hoima City.

Albertine region police public relations officer, Hakiza Julius Allan. (File photo/Ambrose Niwagaba Katoto)

He explained that they were transferred to Kikuube and are currently detained at Kikuube Central Police Station.

"We want to inform the general public that we managed to arrest the couple that served ice cream in Kinogozi Trading Centre on Christmas Day, which is suspected to be contaminated. We found them hiding in Kinuubi, Hoima city, and we transferred them to Kikuube CPS," Hakiza said.

At least 70 people from Kinogozi West, Kisenyi, and Nyakabonge villages are receiving treatment after consuming the suspected ice cream as they celebrated their Christmas Day.

However, Hakiza said that out of 57 patients who were registered at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, only five patients are still receiving treatment, while others are out of danger.

He explained that Babwetera and his wife Kabakamu would be taken to court once they confirmed that the ice cream they served was tainted.

"We are still waiting for the results from the samples, and if we find out that the ice cream had food poisoning, they will be taken to court and charged with attempted murder and other cases, as advised by the resident state attorney," Hakiza said.

Hakiza cautioned the public to avoid buying things, especially foodstuffs not certified by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).