By Rwothongeyo Emma
Politician, Boy-Child Activist & Medic
Alarm in Pakwach as Several Teachers Reportedly Die After Short Illnesses
PAKWACH, UGANDA — Concern is growing in Pakwach District following reports of several teachers dying after what community members describe as short illnesses, with some cases reportedly involving vomiting blood before death.
According to local accounts, nearly four teachers may have died this month, with a similar number reportedly recorded the previous month. One secondary school teacher is said to have died on Friday, while another death was reported on Saturday.
However, these figures and the circumstances surrounding the deaths have not yet been independently verified. There is therefore a need for health authorities to establish the facts before conclusions are drawn.
Could There Be an Environmental or Workplace Health Risk?
The reports have raised questions about what may be contributing to the illnesses. While conditions such as malaria, infections, gastrointestinal diseases, liver problems and complications from underlying illnesses can cause serious health problems, vomiting blood is a serious symptom that requires urgent medical assessment.
Questions have also been raised about prolonged exposure to classroom chalk dust.
Most conventional chalks are made primarily from calcium carbonate or calcium sulfate, and their use can generate airborne dust. Health authorities recognise that indoor air quality and exposure to airborne particles and chemicals in school environments deserve attention, particularly where ventilation and dust control are inadequate.
However, there is currently no evidence presented here showing that classroom chalk is responsible for the reported deaths in Pakwach. That question can only be answered through proper medical investigation, environmental assessment and, where necessary, laboratory testing.
Authorities Should Investigate the Reports
The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Sports, Pakwach District authorities and teachers’ representatives should consider investigating the reported deaths to determine whether there is a common medical, environmental or occupational factor.
Schools should be safe workplaces for teachers and safe learning environments for students. If there is an emerging health risk, identifying it early could help prevent further illness and loss of life.
The reported deaths also come at a time when teacher welfare remains a national concern. Recently, the Uganda National Teachers Union reported that 535 teachers died in Uganda in 2025, attributing some of the deaths to economic pressure and work-related stress.
For Pakwach, however, the immediate priority is establishing what is actually happening on the ground.
Until proper investigations are conducted, the community should avoid speculation while encouraging anyone experiencing serious symptoms to seek medical attention immediately.
The teachers of Pakwach educate our children and shape the future of our community. Their health and safety deserve urgent attention.
May the souls of the departed teachers rest in peace.
