Wandega Erias, a pupil of Buteza P.S in Bunabidoko Cell, Nangoko Ward, Buteza Town Council in Sironko District aged 14 committed suicide by hanging after poisoning another child with pesticides.
Out of fear, Wandega went into hiding and after searching for a while, they found him dead while hanging in the kitchen at around 7:30.
The poisoned child is now receiving treatment at Buteza Health centre.
In September this year, the police spokesperson SCP Fred Enanga cautioned parents and guardians after a one Kasule Arafat, an 11-year-old, P.4 pupil of Kabira UMEA Primary School, committed suicide by hanging on the 14.09.2022.
According to Enanga, most teenagers commit suicide due to the pressure to perform academically, act responsibly and or the pressure to fit in socially among fellow teenagers.
Enanga further said that young people with mental health problems – such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or insomnia – are at a higher risk for suicide thoughts. Tears going through major life changes (parents’ divorce, parental separation, financial changes), and those that ae tortured or bullied are at greater risk of suicide thoughts.
Police have urged parents, guardians and local leaders, to watch out for things that increase the risk of suicide among teens. “These include; a psychological disorders especially depression, bipolar disorder and alcohol, drug abuse, feelings of distress, irritability or agitation, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, that often come with depression, previous suicide attempts, family history of depression or suicide, emotional, physical or sexual abuse, lack of a support network, poor relationships with parents or peers, and feelings of social isolation, struggling with their gender or unsupportive family.” Enanga said
“Some of the warning sings of suicide among teens, often happens after a stressful life event, such as problems at school, torture, bullying, divorce of major family conflict. Teens who are thinking about suicide might talk about death or suicide; give hints that they might not be around anymore, talk about feeling hopelessness or feeling guilty, pull away from friends or family; write songs, poems, letters and drawings about death, separation and loss. They also lose the desire to take part in activities, have trouble concentrating, have changes in eating or sleeping habits, engage in risk-taking behaviours and or lose interest in school or sports.” Enanga cautioned.