Reported by Sandra Ainebyoona
Calamity struck the small community of Pajwenda town council in Kisoko (West Budama) in Tororo District on May 1, 2023, when a fourteen-year-old boy took his own life. Michael Ochola, a primary five pupil at Amor primary school, was found hanging in an abandoned building by his family members. The news of the young boy’s suicide has sent shockwaves throughout the town and the entire country, leaving many struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
According to reports, Michael allegedly left his family’s home at 5 am, claiming he needed to use the restroom. However, when he failed to return, his family became concerned and began searching for him. Tragically, they found him hanging in an abandoned building on the family property. Michael had used a bedsheet he was using to warm himself to end his life.
Michael’s father, Mr. Ochola Olweny, revealed that his son had been sickly and was due to return to the clinic for medical treatment on the morning of his death. He had been diagnosed with cerebral malaria just two days earlier, and his family was hoping to get him the treatment he needed. However, they never had the chance to do so.
The news of Michael’s death has left the town council LC3 chairperson, Mr. Odel Moses, urging parents to take extra care of their teenage children and ensure they are not dealing with issues that could lead to depression. He emphasized the need for open communication and paying attention to warning signs and symptoms that could indicate a potential mental health crisis.
While the reason for Michael’s suicide remains unknown, this tragic event raises concerns about mental health and suicide prevention in Uganda. Suicide remains a significant public health concern globally, and Uganda is no exception. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is among the leading causes of death among young people aged 15-29 worldwide.
This incident also brings to the forefront legal issues surrounding suicide, including the need for proper mental health support and resources. Uganda’s Mental Health Act of 2019 recognizes the importance of mental health care and provides for the establishment of mental health facilities and the protection of the rights of persons with mental health issues. However, more needs to be done to ensure that mental health services are available to all, especially vulnerable populations like children and teenagers.
