Suicide Cases Surge in Agago

28 June 2025, 3:28 PM

By David Ojok Jr.

A disturbing rise in suicide cases across Agago District has triggered urgent calls for cultural and religious intervention, with leaders warning of a growing mental health crisis among young people and families still grappling with trauma from past conflicts.

This week, the community of Patongo Town Council was left in grief following the death by suicide of 17-year-old Akullu Lillian. According to local authorities, Lillian took her life after a disagreement with family members over a romantic relationship that her aunt strongly opposed.

The LCIII Chairperson of Patongo Town Council hon. Komakech joseph said it is the fourth case in just one month in Patongo, encouraging Parents to engage closer to their children and understand them emotionally and mentally.

He now calls on the populace to exercise community neighborhood watch and report immediately to authorities signs and actions of people with worrying character as aligned to suicide

Earlier in May, another suicide case rocked the district when Sunday Auma, a 20-year-old mother, ended her life in Labworyemo Central Cell. Auma had reportedly argued with her husband over alleged infidelity. She left behind a three-month-old baby girl, deepening the trauma for her young family.

The cases are part of a wider trend across the Acholi sub-region, where lingering effects of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency continue to impact the mental well-being of many. Experts link the growing number of suicides to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), domestic violence, land disputes, chronic illness, and untreated mental health conditions.

Mental health professionals working in the region describe the situation as overwhelming. According to Basic Needs UK in Uganda (BNUU), which has been implementing community mental health programs in Agago, over 3,800 people with mental health conditions have been identified and supported in the last three years.

Despite the need, the district is critically under-resourced as it currently has only one psychiatric clinical officer, and most lower-level health centers lack mental health-trained personnel, according to the District Health Office.

In response, religious leaders across denominations are organizing interfaith prayers, community dialogues, and offering home-based counselling for affected families. Simultaneously, cultural leaders are urging a revival of traditional reconciliation ceremonies to restore community bonds and foster healing.

Community leaders are urging for a multi-sectoral approach combining health services, family counseling, religious engagement, and traditional practices to tackle the growing burden.