BUSHENYI
A 20-year-old student at Kampala International University (KIU) was on Friday morning found dead in a suspected case of suicide, police confirmed.
“We are admitted on a 50% bursary, but by the time we complete the course, we end up paying the full tuition due to these exorbitant surcharges,” one student explained.
Greater Bushenyi regional police spokesperson, ASP Apollo Tayebwa, identified the deceased as John Lukoma, adding that his body discovered hanging from an avocado tree near the male students’ hostel toilets at the university’s western campus in Bushenyi District
Preliminary investigations suggest that Lukoma may have taken his own life due to financial difficulties.
“He has been disturbed with tuition fee and upkeep. He was always worried about completing his course,” said Patrick Oukome, Lukoma’s roommate.
Police visited the scene, documented evidence, and recorded statements from witnesses. A case of suspected suicide has been opened at Bushenyi Central Police Station, meanwhile as investigation into the matter continues.
“The body was retrieved and taken to KIU Teaching Hospital for a postmortem, and further details will be disclosed as they become available,” Tayebwa said.
He urged students and members of the public experiencing mental distress to seek help through professional counseling services or support networks.
In a letter obtained by Parrots Media, KIU management acknowledged the incident, encouraging students to utilize the university’s mental health services.
“Whether you knew Lukoma John personally or not, this news has affected each one of you because this is your fellow student. Please know that you are not alone—we are here to support you,” the statement read in part.
Students who spoke to Parrots Media expressed strong dissatisfaction with what they described as an unfair tuition fee policy. They criticized the weekly Shs30,000 surcharge on tuition as excessive and unaffordable for both students and parents.
“We are admitted on a 50% bursary, but by the time we complete the course, we end up paying the full tuition due to these exorbitant surcharges,” one student explained. “This is especially burdensome for many of us who come from financially struggling families.”
The National Population and Housing Census, 2024, reported that 12% of the population aged 10 and above in Uganda, experienced some form of probable general psychological distress. The census results further revealed that suicide ideation rates surged to 272,271 nationwide, with the highest rates among young people aged 10-14, who accounted for 39,656 cases.
Uganda is ranked among the top six African countries in rates of depressive disorders and has the second-highest suicide rate among East African males ages 18-35.
