Five people have died and nine others hospitalised in Sheema District after allegedly eating meat from a dead cow suspected to have been infected with anthrax.
The deaths occurred in IkashozI Division after residents consumed carcass meat, according to Sheema Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Jane Asiimwe Muhindo.
In a letter addressed to the RDC of Kasese District dated July 14, 2026, Muhindo said the incident had raised concern because some communities in Kasese consume locally known “sanga meat”.
“I regret to inform you that five people died having consumed carcass of animals. The person who slaughtered died on spot and some other woman who prepared it also died. Nine are hospitalized,” Muhindo stated.
She said samples from both humans and animals had been submitted to government laboratories for testing to establish whether anthrax was the cause of the deaths.
“The purpose of sharing this information with you is because I am aware that some of our people in Kasese consume meat locally called Sanga meat. Samples have been submitted to government laboratory for both human and animals,” she said.
The RDC urged residents to temporarily stop consuming ‘sanga’ meat as authorities await laboratory results.
“As we wait for the results, it is important to advise our people to temporarily halt the consumption (sanga meat) because prevention is better than cure,” Muhindo warned.
Anthrax is a serious bacterial disease that can affect both animals and humans, especially through handling or consuming infected animal products. Authorities are expected to issue further guidance once laboratory results are released
