MPIGI, UGANDA: The Territorial Police in Mpigi is investigating a case of teen suicide involving an 11-year-old pupil who last week committed suicide by hanging.
The deceased identified as Kasule Arafat, a Primary four pupil at Kabira UMEA primary school in Mpigi district took his own life on Wednesday, September 14, 2022.
According to police, facts gathered indicate that on that day at about 8 am, the victim reported to school, but did not attend classes and when the teachers and friends noticed his disappearance, a search was conducted, only to find him dead, and the body hanging on a mango tree, at St. Luke Catholic Church, Kyanja, which is located about 250 metres from the school.
The area police were informed of the incident and the body was taken to Gombe Hospital for further post -mortem.
Police spokesperson SCP Fred Enanga confirmed the report in a police statement on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, saying the suicidal act could be largely attributed to hopelessness and frustration from the victim wondering how the parents, siblings and classmates couldn’t prevent it from happening.
“It is so devastating to the female, friends, the school and the community for such a young child, to die because of overwhelming hopelessness or frustration. All parents, siblings, classmates, and neighbours were left wondering what could have driven him and how they could have prevented it from happening,” said Enanga.
He added that “most teenagers commit suicide due to the pressure to perform academically, act responsibly and or the pressure to fit in socially among fellow teenagers. Young people with mental health problems – such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or insomnia – are at a higher risk for suicide thoughts.”
The police spokesperson, therefore, urged parents, guardians and local leaders, to watch out for things that increase the risk of suicide among teens.
“Things like psychological disorders especially depression, bipolar disorder and alcohol, drug abuse, feelings of distress, irritability or agitation, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, that often come with depression, previous suicide attempts, family history of depression or suicide, emotional, physical or sexual abuse, lack of a support network, poor relationships with parents or peers, and feelings of social isolation, struggling with their gender or unsupportive family,” Enanga emphasized.
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