Three people die by suicide in Kigezi

The Kigezi regional police spokesperson, Mr. Nelson Tumushime.

Police in the Kigezi region have registered three cases of death by suicide in three weeks and urged people facing stress, depression, financial difficulties or family problems to seek help rather than taking their own lives.

Kigezi regional police spokesperson Nelson Tumushime said the latest case was reported on August 13 in Kabale District involving a 20-year-old Senior Five student at Kigata High School.

Tumushime said the student, identified as Babra Katusiime, a resident of Ahamurangara Village, Bugarama Parish, Buhara Sub-county, was found dead at her home.

He said preliminary police information indicated that Katusiime had told her mother that she would not go to school because she did not have an examination paper to sit.

The mother reportedly left her at home while she went to cultivate in the garden and returned at about 6pm to find her daughter dead.

The second case was reported on August 6 in Kahama Cell, Kanyantorogo Sub-county, Kanungu District.

Tumushime said the body of a 53-year-old man, identified as Fredian Friday, was found at his home.

Police said he had reportedly been experiencing financial difficulties and accumulated debts.

The third case was reported on July 27 in Rubuguri Town Council, Kisoro District, involving a 57-year-old professional teacher identified as James Kamari.

Tumushime said police processed the scene and took the body to a mortuary for postmortem.

He urged members of the public experiencing emotional or financial difficulties to seek support from trusted people and professionals.

"We encourage the members of the public to avoid committing suicide as a means of dealing with stress and depression. In case of stress, please get closer to a trusted family member or friend, religious leader for guidance and counselling," he said.

Police said the three incidents were being investigated.