S.3 Student Found Dead in Suspected Suicide in Butaleja

Police in Butaleja District are investigating the suspected suicide of a 21-year-old student who was found hanging from a tree in Busaba Sub-county.

The deceased has been identified as Opendi Donato, also known as Junior, a Senior Three student at Alliance High School Busolwe and a resident of Nagondo B Village, Mulagi Parish.

Bukedi South Regional Police spokesperson IP Johnson Moses Mugwe said the incident happened in Nagondo B Village and was reported after residents discovered the body at around 6:00am.

“It is alleged that a resident heading to the garden found the deceased hanging from a tree within the village. He informed relatives and the LC1 chairperson, who later reported the matter to Police,” Mr Mugwe said.

Busaba Police Station registered a case of suspected suicide by hanging. A team led by the Officer in Charge of Butaleja Police Station, together with Scene of Crime Officers and homicide detectives, visited and documented the scene.

Police recovered exhibits including a rope, a note believed to have been written by the deceased, and his Primary Leaving Examination results slip. Statements from relevant witnesses were also recorded.

The body was taken to Mbale City Mortuary for a postmortem examination as investigations continue.Police appealed to members of the public to seek guidance and support whenever faced with life challenges instead of resorting to taking their own lives. The force also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.

According to the Annual Crime Report 2025, suicide cases are linked to complex psychological, social, and environmental factors such as mental illness, trauma, and extreme stress. Police define suicide as self-directed injurious behaviour carried out with the intention to die.

A total of 258 suicide cases were registered across the country. The highest number was recorded in the West Nile Region with 27 cases, followed by Masaka East with 18 cases and Kampala Metropolitan Police East with 15. Aswa East and Busoga North each recorded 13 cases.

In Bukedi South Region, where Butaleja District is located, Police recorded 10 suicide cases in 2025 compared to seven cases in 2024.