Campus Bee has learnt that government officials have kicked off investigation into the death of Rosette Kyarikunda, a fifth year Busimeta University medical student who allegedly died from COVID-19 vaccine-related side effects.
According to the Busitema University spokesperson, Peace Kalungi, Kyarikunda received her first AstraZeneca jab, as a requirement for medical students to resume studies.
“The student had reported back to the university. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is voluntary but it is also a government requirement, so it was wise for her to take the vaccine,” Kalungi said.
When asked what could have led to the student’s death, Kiruddu Hospital‘s Dr. Charles Kabugo referred journalists to the Ministry of Health.
Boniface Osodi, the President of Federation of Uganda Medical Students’ Association (FUMSA) announced that the deceased was put in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after developing multi-organ failure before she died.
He has further revealed that they have reported the incident to World Health Organisation (WHO) and Uganda National Expanded Programme on Immunisation (UNEPI).
UNEPI Deputy Programme Manager, Dr. Immaculate Ampaire has revealed that they have kicked off investigation to see whether the medical student succumbed to vaccine-related side effects.
“The national committee in charge is reviewing the report this afternoon,” She said without revealing more details.
The National Drug Authority will release an official statement after the Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) meeting, according to the spokesperson, Abiaz Rwamwiri. Campus Bee understands that the meeting was held yesterday, Wednesday 1st September but no statement has been released yet.
Odoi also revealed that the deceased tested positive for Malaria at Kiruddu Hospital yet she was negative when she was tested for the same in Mbale Hospital. The Busitema University student will be laid to rest today, according to a family member who preferred to remain anonymous.
