Agago: Over 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 rise in suicide cases, with more than three deaths and 22 reported suicide attempts recorded in April alone. The growing mental health crisis has sparked concern among community leaders, mental health advocates, and development organisations.

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 intention to take his own life due to ongoing domestic issues. Tragically, efforts to intervene came too late.

Another heartbreaking incident occurred in Ajali Sub-county, where 16-year-old pupil Kidega Francis died by suicide. Kidega, a resident of Adegaronya Village, Otumpili Parish, and a pupil at Ajali-Lajwa Primary School, was reportedly struggling with mental distress. The specific circumstances surrounding his death are still under investigation.

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

Ms Adong Florence, Programmes Manager at BasicNeeds UK in Uganda, stressed the urgent need for community-based interventions. She noted that the 22 suicide attempts recorded in April alone reflect deeper, unresolved mental health challenges within the district.

BasicNeeds UK in Uganda has been implementing a community mental health programme in Agago for the past four years, directly supporting more than 3,856 individuals with mental health conditions and their families. The organisation works in collaboration with local health centres, community leaders, and trained mental health volunteers to provide psychosocial support, counselling, and access to medical care.

Ms Adong emphasised that although efforts are ongoing, the scale of the crisis demands stronger government involvement, integration of mental health services into primary healthcare, and sustainable funding to address the root causes.

Local police have urged residents to report early signs of suicidal behaviour and encouraged families to seek help from nearby health facilities and community-based support programmes. Religious leaders and cultural elders are also being called upon to support mental health awareness and sensitisation efforts.

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