Bugiri, Mbale communities alarmed by rising suicide cases among youth

Eastern Uganda: Communities in Eastern Uganda are raising alarm over a disturbing wave of suicide deaths among young people, particularly school-going children, following recent incidents in Bugiri and Mbale districts.

Authorities and local leaders say the rising cases have left families in shock and prompted urgent calls for stronger psychosocial support systems at household and community levels.

In Bugiri District, grief engulfed residents of Kayanda Kato Village in Magola Parish, Buwunga Sub-county, after a 21-year-old student, Musa Wanda, was found dead in his rented room on Sunday morning.

Wanda, who had recently joined Bukooli College in Bugiri, was discovered hanging. The motive behind his death remains unclear as police investigations continue.

According to residents, the deceased had returned home briefly and attended evening prayers at Jamia Mosque in Magola before coming back with a rope.

“He returned from school and went to break fasting at Jamia Mosque, but later came back with a rope. We thought it was meant for animals,” said Christopher Waninga, a resident of Magola.

Local leaders confirmed that Wanda was in Senior Three, had recently married and left behind one child. His body was reportedly discovered by a colleague, who alerted authorities.

LC1 Chairperson Tilibuuza Haruna said the rope used in the incident had been purchased from his shop. “I did not know it would be used for such a tragic purpose,” Haruna said.

The GISO of Buwunga Sub-county, Edward Bogere, condemned the act and urged young people to seek guidance whenever facing personal challenges.

Mbale Case

In a related case in Mbale District, a 13-year-old pupil identified as Wakoko Alex from Busambe Village, Busambe Parish in Bumbobi Sub-county, was found dead after allegedly hanging himself from a mango tree.

The Elgon Regional Police spokesperson, SP Rogers Taitika, said the boy, a Primary Three pupil at Naiku Primary School, had stayed home from school complaining of a headache.

“It is alleged that the mother left him at home and later he followed her, complaining that his sister had abused him,” SP Taitika said in a statement.

Police said the mother calmed the child and asked him to return home, but later received information that he had been found hanging.

The matter was reported to local authorities and subsequently to police, who commenced investigations.

Call for Psychosocial Support

Community leaders in both Busoga and Bugisu sub-regions have expressed concern over the increasing incidents and are calling for strengthened mental health awareness, counselling services and parental engagement.

SP Taitika urged families and community members to offer support to individuals experiencing psychological distress.

“We ask communities to always support people who may be psychologically challenged to prevent such tragic incidents,” he said.

Local leaders say the pattern highlights the need for improved mental health services in schools and at community level, especially for adolescents navigating academic, social and family pressures.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the two deaths.