Pallisa, Uganda: Grief and disbelief gripped Kameke and Akisim sub-counties in Pallisa District over the weekend following the reported suicide of a nine-year-old Primary Two pupil under unclear circumstances.
The deceased, Timothy Okello, was a pupil at Good Shepherd Primary School in Kameke Sub-county and was buried at Komolo Village in Akisim Sub-county.
According to local leaders and family members, the boy had endured a series of tragic losses over the past year. His father, Nathan Ochan, 35, died in April 2025 after reportedly drowning in a shallow well when the rope he was using snapped, making rescue efforts unsuccessful.
Following the father’s death, Timothy was taken under full sponsorship by Dr. Simon Peter Oullo, Bishop of Good Shepherd Ministries International and proprietor of Good Shepherd Schools. Dr. Oullo said he stepped in to support the child’s education and welfare due to the family’s vulnerable background.
“I learned with shock that the boy, who had been playing with his mates, left school and crossed to Kadami Sub-county in Kumi District where his maternal grandmother lives. I couldn’t believe the news that the boy I was grooming to blossom in a family of three has died, leaving behind his two sisters,” Dr. Oullo said.
In December 2025, Timothy’s mother, Betty Akwii, 33, also passed away at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, reportedly due to pressure-related illness. Her death left the three children orphaned within a span of months.
John Julius Okaki, the District Councilor for Akisim Sub-county and grandfather of the deceased, described the past year as devastating for the family. “In a period of 12 months, we have lost five family members. I just ask people to join us in prayer,” he said.
Family friend Yoweri Tukei expressed shock at the nature of the boy’s death, saying he had never witnessed a child of such age allegedly committing suicide.
“Yes, we have seen children die in accidents or drownings, but not by committing suicide,” Tukei said, adding that the community had earlier come together to build a house for the widow after Ochan’s death.
Pallisa Resident District Commissioner Magid Dhikusoka lauded Dr. Oullo for supporting the orphaned children and called on the community to rally behind the two surviving girls.
“The thinking that girls will get married and abandon their family is insulting. Let us treat our children equally without gender bias,” Dhikusoka said.
However, Pallisa District Probation and Welfare Officer Suzan Apolot cautioned that children who lose parents require continuous counseling and psychosocial support.
“Children, especially orphans, need a lot of counseling. When friends mention anything about parents, an orphan may become depressed. The treatment they receive from relatives also matters. A child of such age committing suicide is rare, and the matter will be investigated,” Apolot said.
Authorities have indicated that investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
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