KIBUKU: Man, 59, found hanging dead, suicide suspected

KIBUKU, (UG):– Residents of Kiyalyo Ward in Tirinyi Town Council, Kibuku District are still in shock following the tragic death of 59-year-old Patilisi Muduli, who was found hanging early Tuesday morning in an apparent suicide.

The incident, which occurred on March 25, 2025, has shocked the local community and reignited concerns over mental health awareness in the region.

Wilberforce Nampenda, the Chairman of Local Council II for Kiyalyo Ward, told DailyExpress that Muduli had gone outside around 2 AM to tend to his cows but never returned.

Earlier that evening, he had shared a meal with his family and gone to bed without any visible signs of distress. When he failed to return after some time, his wife, Amuleni Jane, became worried and set out to look for him.

To her shock, Amuleni found her husband hanging dead from a mango tree.

Following the incident, police from Kibuku Central Police Station and Tirinyi Police Station arrived at the scene to launch an investigation. A case file for suicide by hanging was opened, and a rope believed to have been used in the act was recovered as evidence.

“Witness statements are currently being collected as part of the ongoing inquiry, and the body has been sent to the Mbale City mortuary for a postmortem examination to confirm the cause of death,” said Bukedi North Regional Police Commander ACP Mwanga Kitiyo Moses.

As investigations continue, residents of Kiyalyo Ward remain in mourning, reflecting on the tragedy while calling for greater mental health support to prevent similar incidents in the future.