Zombo, Uganda: A 48-year-old man has been found dead in an apparent suicide by hanging inside his home in Padea Town Council, Zombo District, marking the second such incident reported in the area within days.
The deceased, identified as Denis Oyergiu, a resident of Alengu Cell, Ndidu Ward, was discovered dangling from a rope inside his house at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
According to Robert Pimundu, LC I Chairperson of Alengu Cell, neighbours grew concerned after Oyergiu failed to come out of his house as usual. “They forced open the door around 10 a.m. and discovered the lifeless body,” Pimundu said.
Preliminary inquiries indicate that Oyergiu had separated from his wife three days earlier following a domestic misunderstanding. Local leaders suspect the separation may have contributed to emotional distress.
Officers from Padea Police Post responded to the scene, documented the incident, and removed the body to aid ongoing investigations.
Slot Richard Odaga, the Padea Town Council Coordinator for People Living with HIV/AIDS and an uncle to the deceased, expressed shock, noting that Oyergiu had appeared to be living a stable life prior to the incident.
Second Case in Days
The incident follows closely on the heels of another suspected suicide in neighboring Abanga Sub-county, where a man identified as Bedi Amos was found hanging from a jackfruit tree near his compound on February 16, 2026.
Police say they are investigating both matters as suspected suicides.
Suicide remains a significant public health concern in Uganda, frequently linked to domestic disputes, financial hardship, family conflicts, and untreated mental health conditions.
The Uganda Police Force’s 2024 Annual Crime Report recorded 218 cases of attempted suicide nationwide, up from 165 in 2023. Authorities caution that the figures likely represent only reported attempts, underscoring the need for enhanced awareness, early intervention, and accessible mental health services.
Local leaders in Zombo have urged residents experiencing social, domestic, or psychological challenges to seek assistance from elders, religious leaders, health workers, or government officials before situations escalate.
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