Does Agago Needs Saving ? : More than 24 suicide cases in one Month

9 May 2025, 9:42 AM

By David Ojok Jr.

Authorities in Agago District are raising the alarm following a disturbing spike in suicide cases, with more than three deaths and 22 reported suicide attempts registered within the month of April alone. The growing mental health crisis is drawing concern from community leaders, mental health advocates, and development organizations.

The most recent case involves a 40-year-old man, identified as Oyee Charles, a resident of Ajali Quarters, Pece Ward, in Patongo Sub-county. According to police and local sources, Oyee reportedly informed his family of his intent to end his life due to ongoing domestic issues, before taking his own life shortly thereafter. Efforts to intervene came too late.

Another heart-wrenching incident occurred in Ajali Sub-county, where a 16-year-old pupil, Kidega Francis, died by suicide. Kidega was a resident of Adegaronya Village, Otumpili Parish, and a pupil at Ajali-Lajwa Primary School. Community members report the teenager had been struggling with mental distress, although the exact circumstances leading to his death remain under investigation.

Mental health experts point to a combination of poverty, domestic violence, family conflict, and untreated mental health disorders as key contributors to the rising trend.

According to Ms. Adong Florence, Programs Manager at BasicNeeds UK in Uganda, the situation equires immediate, community-based intervention.

In April alone, Agago District recorded 22 suicide attempts, a sign of deeper, unresolved mental health issues in the community according to Her.

BasicNeeds UK in Uganda has been implementing a community mental health program in Agago for the past four years, directly supporting over 3,856 persons with mental disorders and their families.

The organization works in collaboration with local health centers, community leaders, and trained mental health volunteers to provide psychosocial support, counseling, and access to medical care.

Ms. Adong emphasized that while efforts are ongoing, the scale of the problem requires stronger government engagement, integration of mental health services into primary healthcare, and sustainable funding to address the root causes.

The local police have urged residents to report early signs of suicidal behavior and encouraged families to seek help from local health facilities and community support programs. Religious leaders and community elders are also being called upon to play a role in mental health sensitization.

As Agago grapples with this troubling trend, stakeholders are calling for increased mental health awareness, community outreach, and policy support to ensure that no life is lost to preventable causes.