Authorities in Kampala are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man hanging at Golf Course, adding to a recent surge in suicide cases in Uganda’s capital and its environs.
The deceased, identified as Samuel Bukendi, suspected to be a vendor at Nakasero Market, was discovered hanging from a tree around 7 am on Tuesday.
Mr. Edwin Ocaya, the head of security at the Golf Course, confirmed Bukendi’s identity with an identity card from Nakasero Market and a national ID belonging to a woman.
While police are yet to establish the motive or circumstances surrounding Bukendi’s death, his body has been retrieved and taken to the city mortuary at Mulago.
This incident comes in the wake of a recent rise in suicide cases in Kampala. Last week, Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, reported three cases, including individuals jumping off city buildings and others found hanging from trees, within a span of 72 hours.
“Wanonili is suspected to have died by suicide by using a wire tied to a mango tree. What we know about the deceased is that he has been a cancer patient.
The exact motive of this suicide is also under investigation,” he said.
Budo’s body was found hanging on a tree near his house at Ndejje Lubogomu.
Just two days prior to the three reported deaths, John Birungi Babirukamu, a 40-year-old prominent ICT specialist and digital marketer residing in Kitwale, allegedly jumped to his death from the top of a hotel building in Kamwokya, a suburb of Kampala.
According to the World Health Organisation, over 700,000 people die by suicide annually, often linked to various circumstances, with depression being a leading factor.
WHO also reports that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds globally.
A report by the Ministry of Health, the Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH) Quarterly Epidemiological Bulletin, indicates that Uganda has a high suicide rate, with men at a higher risk than women.
What experts say
In an interview with this publication, Mr Drabe Godfrey Yiki, Mental health Expert said loans, family related issues, underperformance at work, and a lack of mental health sessions at work have greatly contributed to some of the suicides in the country.
“Lack of mental health sessions at work has greatly contributed to mental health issues and suicides in the country. Many Ugandans are dying with loans and debts and they don’t have anyone with whom they can openly discuss such issues,” Mr Drabe said.
Adding on, “Human resources should organise open sessions at work places; in such sessions, everyone is allowed to share his/her emotions and challenges with others.”
Mr Drabe urged the government to also put place mental awareness campaigns on how Ugandans can access help.