Residents and health stakeholders in the Teso Sub-region have expressed growing concern over reports of alleged poisoning incidents that have claimed several lives, prompting discussions about the possible origin of the substances involved.
The issue came to light during a recent engagement meeting with herbalists, where participants raised questions about the source of the suspected poison and why herbal practitioners often appear to have remedies for victims.
Responding to the concerns, Emmanuel Ekodeu, the District Drug Inspector in Soroti District, explained that some of the suspected poisoning cases may be linked to the misuse of agricultural chemicals such as insecticides and pesticides.
According to Ekodeu, chemicals commonly used to spray crops can become extremely dangerous when handled improperly or deliberately misused by individuals with harmful intentions.
“Some of the substances people refer to as poison are actually mixtures of insecticides and pesticides used in agriculture. When these chemicals are used incorrectly or maliciously, they can cause serious harm or even death,” he explained.
Ekodeu also addressed rumors circulating within communities about mysterious poison substances allegedly linked to wildlife products.
He mentioned reports claiming that an unidentified individual in one of the districts in the sub-region is believed to possess a container filled with fluids from a hippopotamus bile duct, although authorities have not yet verified the claim.
The drug inspector further warned that poisoning methods can vary, with some individuals allegedly mixing toxic substances in food while others may smear them on objects such as vehicle door handles to target victims.
“These acts are extremely dangerous and pose a serious threat to society,” he said, urging residents to reject such practices.
Ekodeu appealed to members of the public to promote peaceful coexistence and avoid acts driven by hatred or revenge.
“Communities must learn to live together in harmony and resolve disputes through lawful and peaceful means,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Godfrey Etelu, a renowned herbalist in the Teso Sub-region, acknowledged that certain chemicals used in agriculture can be harmful to the human body if misused.
Etelu said his interest in herbal medicine was inspired by a personal experience after he allegedly fell victim to poisoning earlier in life.
He explained that traditional herbal knowledge passed down from his father helped save his life, motivating him to study and practice herbal treatment.
According to Etelu, he has since assisted more than 900 people who sought herbal treatment after suspected poisoning incidents.
He called on communities to embrace peaceful coexistence and avoid harmful practices that threaten lives.
The discussions come at a time when authorities and health officials in the Teso Sub-region are encouraging greater awareness about the safe use of agricultural chemicals while also working to investigate reports surrounding the alleged poisoning cases.
