By Our Reporter
Police in western Uganda have launched an investigation into the suspected suicide of a 20-year-old student at Kampala International University (KIU), Ishaka campus.
The body of the deceased, John Lukoma, was discovered on Friday morning hanging from a tree near the male students’ hostel, according to the Greater Bushenyi Regional Police spokesperson Apollo Tayebwa.
“On May 9, 2025, at around 6:40 AM, one of the university’s security guards, Patrick Muganga, found Lukoma’s body hanging from an avocado tree next to the hostel toilets while on routine patrol,” Tayebwa told journalists.
A case of suspected suicide has since been opened at Bushenyi Central Police Station, and the body was transported to KIU Teaching Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination. Tayebwa said results will be shared with the public once available.
In his address, Tayebwa urged young people to seek support when facing emotional or financial challenges.
“We call upon students and the public to avoid turning to suicide as a response to depression or stress. Please talk to friends, trusted individuals, or visit counseling centers. Help is available,” he said.
Preliminary accounts from close acquaintances suggest that Lukoma, a first-year student, had been struggling with tuition and basic upkeep—pressures that may have contributed to his emotional distress.
“He was constantly worried about his fees and survival. He talked about not knowing whether he would finish his course,” said his roommate Patrick Okoume, 21. “He didn’t share much, but I could tell he was burdened.”
Although the university administration has not yet released an official statement, a letter circulating among students—reportedly from KIU management—urged students to utilize the counseling and wellness services available on campus.
The incident has reignited conversation around mental health struggles faced by university students in Uganda, many of whom deal with academic pressure, isolation, financial stress, and lack of emotional support.
Health experts say suicide, especially among youth, is often the result of underlying depression, anxiety, and untreated mental health conditions. The lack of accessible and affordable mental health services across the country compounds the problem.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is among the leading causes of death among individuals aged 15–29 globally. In Uganda, where cultural stigma still surrounds mental health, many people suffer in silence rather than seek help.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Suicide?
Mental health professionals emphasize that suicide is preventable, and a collective approach is needed to protect vulnerable individuals:
- Open communication: Encourage students and young people to talk openly about emotional struggles without fear of judgment.
- Access to support: Expand access to counseling services in universities and communities.
- Awareness and training: Equip lecturers, wardens, and peers to identify signs of distress and respond early.
- De-stigmatization: Create public campaigns to challenge myths about mental health and promote help-seeking behavior.
- Peer support programs: Student-run mental wellness clubs can provide a safe space for sharing and solidarity.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Contact a trusted healthcare provider or a mental health support line near you.
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