Butebo, Uganda: A 45-year-old peasant farmer in Butebo District has died by suicide after relatives allegedly demanded Shs3 million as burial compensation for his late infant grandson.
The incident occurred on Sunday night, February 15, 2026, at around 8:00 pm in Kamusala Village, Akisim Parish, Kanyum Sub-county.
The deceased has been identified as Kadiba James, a resident of the same village and a member of the Iteso community.
According to police records at Butebo Central Police Station (CRB 21/2026), relatives of Mugala Florence, Kadiba’s daughter-in-law, reportedly arrived at his home earlier in the evening for a vigil following the death of their one-month-old child, Ojangole John.
During the gathering, the relatives allegedly demanded Shs3,000,000 from Kadiba to cover burial-related compensation costs and reportedly threatened him with harm if he failed to comply.
Police say that after the confrontation, Kadiba excused himself from the vigil fireplace and went inside his house, claiming he needed to rest.
At about 8:20pm, his wife, Titipu Christine, attempted to access the house but found the door locked from inside. After calling out to him without response, their son, Kibale Denis, forced the door open.
Kadiba was found hanging inside the house.
The matter was reported to police at around 9:00pm by Omugit Joseph Gilbert, the Butebo District Speaker and a resident of Kamusala Village.
Bukedi North Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Wilfred Kyempasa confirmed the incident.
“A team of officers led by D/IP Bwonyo Julius visited the scene, cordoned it off, and conducted investigative work through the following morning. Police have opened a case file on the suicide,” Kyempasa said.
The body was documented and inquiries are ongoing. Police have not yet released details regarding the postmortem examination.
Authorities Urge Peaceful Conflict Resolution
Authorities have urged communities to resolve family disputes through lawful and peaceful means and to avoid escalating financial demands that may lead to tragic consequences.
Mental health advocates continue to emphasise the importance of early intervention, mediation by community leaders and access to psychosocial support services in cases of intense domestic or financial distress.
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