IGANGA, UGANDA: Residents of Nkono II, Northern Division, Iganga municipality in Iganga district are in shock, after one of their own committed suicide. The deceased was identified as 50-year-old Magumba Eria aka JB who committed suicide by hanging inside his house.
The lifeless body of Magumba was discovered early morning on Wednesday by close relatives who always check on him every morning.
The deceased was the owner of the land where Iganga municipal council primary school is seated.
Speaking to DailyExpress, Namukose Sarah, one of the deceased’s tenants narrated that before taking his life, Magumba handed to his wife, the land agreement, the list of tenants and what they owed him plus other household property since he was putting up in different bedroom with the wife. He then tasked her to demand all defaulters citing that police was hunting for him and was yet to arrest him.
“He handed to his wife the television, land agreement, list of tenants and defaulters and told her to demand those who haven’t paid. The wife asked why he was giving her everything and the deceased replied that there is nothing much but I am giving you these things because police is hunting for me and they want to arrest me. The woman took everything to her room as she was tasked without knowing what is next only to wake up in the morning finding him hanging,” Namukose told this website before adding that Magumba has been fearing police a lot.
However, Sheikh Twaha Sulaiman refuted claims that the deceased has been fearing police a lot saying that he has been bold before any kind of police.
“He has not been fearing police as some people are saying, many people knows him in Iganga that he doesn’t fear police because even there is police which came from Kampala to inquire about land issues but he was there to reason,” Sheikh Twaha said.
Another resident and also a close friend to the deceased, Bakaki Ibrahim said that he has been hearing about some issues with Magumba’s family which are related to land.
“He has been with some issues from the past though some people are not agreeing but I have been hearing about it because he has been my friend. The issues with the family are related to land but you never know something else could have caused this,” Bakaki said.
The chairperson of the village, Mr Waiswa Eliot has confirmed the incident amidst condemning the act of suicide and advised the locals to always share their life challenges with others for a genuine solution. He said that the deceased was among the area tycoons but his wealth deteriorated and suspects that this could be another issue to consider.
“The situation is scaring, this is an example that even if you’re in tough conditions please learn to persevere. I have known him for close to 40 years and he was among the tycoons in the area but later his wealth deteriorated and started drinking alcohol as a way of consoling himself,” Mr Waiswa said.
Waiswa urged people to always go to church or mosque where they can seek encouragement through the preachings conducted. He said that someone can also share a problem with a religious leader for a solution.
“I want to advise my people that always share your problems with friends and other religious leaders. You can go to church or mosque and you may find someone preaching about the very situation you’re facing and you can be encouraged. Life is wealth and everyone needs to persevere,” Waiswa added.
The deceased’s home neighbors Iganga municipal council primary school and it’s alleged that the school earlier complained about the flooding waters from his plot whenever it rains which prompted the school to put a perimeter wall. They demanded to have him dig a pit to contain the waters which he did and police reportedly checked out to confirm on Tuesday.
“When it rains, water flows around the perimeter wall and sometimes entering the school. The school reported the matter to police and the deceased later dug a pit to contain the water. Police came to check and confirm if he had done what he said but didn’t find him and maybe people suspected that they were intending to arrest him, and as I said earlier that he has faced various problems from the past. Maybe there could be other family matters,” Wasswa, the chairperson of the village.
Meanwhile, police has advised people with various challenges to share them with others who can help them overcome such challenges.
Busoga East Police Spokesperson, SP Diana Nandawula said that taking your life has never been a solution to any problem.
“The habit of people commiting suicide continues to hike after a one Magumba Eria, 50, of Nkono II committed suicide though the cause of this suicide isn’t yet established. We urge all people with challenges or problems to always consult people who can help you to overcome them instead of deciding to end your own life,” SP Nandawula said.
By press time, the body was taken to Iganga general hospital mortuary for postmortem as investigation into the suicide continue.
Do you have a story or an opinion to share? Email us on: [email protected] Or join the Daily Express WhatsApp channel for all the latest news and trends or join the Telegram Channel for the latest updates.
