By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
RUBANDA
Police in Rubanda District are investigating a tragic incident in which a 22-year-old university student ended his life by suicide, leaving behind a disturbing handwritten note.
The deceased has been identified as Victor Mugarura, a student of Kabale University.
According to police, Mugarura was found hanging on a rope at his home in Hamurara Cell, Bubare Town Council, Rubanda District.
In a suicide note left behind by the deceased, titled “DEATH NOTE?!!”, he apologized for what he described as “disappointment,” asking for divine forgiveness and expressing regret over the situation.
“I also didn’t expect it, but this is what life is,” Mugarura wrote, before concluding with the haunting phrase, “LIFE IS SCUM.”
The Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate confirmed they are treating the case as a suicide and have launched inquiries to establish the circumstances leading to the act. Authorities also urged the public, especially youth, to seek mental health support in times of distress.
The body was taken to a nearby health facility for postmortem examination.
Families and institutions have been urged to be vigilant and to look out for early signs of mental health struggles, especially among young people.
Mugarura’s death adds to the growing concern over mental health issues and suicide cases among university students in Uganda.
The World Health Organization (WHO) 2023 data indicates that over 700,000 people die by suicide globally every year, representing one person every 40 seconds.
Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds worldwide. Over 77% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries, including Uganda.
The Ministry of Health estimates that more than 3,500 Ugandans die by suicide annually. Depression, substance abuse, and relationship problems remain leading contributors to suicidal behavior.
Mental health experts emphasize the urgent need for more awareness, counseling services, and suicide prevention programs in schools, universities, and communities.
A 2024, Police annual crime report shows that police registered and investigated 218 cases of attempted suicide, however, it does not record any suicide deaths, reflecting legal definitions rather than public health realities.
