14-year-old Mengo SSS student commits suicide

By Evelyne Nalule

A senior one student at Mengo Senior Secondary School has hanged himself in Kazo Central, Wakiso district.

The body of Sheldon Tumwesigye, 14, was first seen hanging on a jackfruit tree by a student, who preferred anonymity, on his way to school and informed market vendors.

Angella Komugisha, the mother to the deceased says she was not aware Tumwesigye had any problem.

She narrates that on Sunday they said prayers together and got back home. On Monday morning, Tumwesigye had breakfast, dressed in his uniform and left for school.

The deputy head teacher Mengo SSS and a staff looking sombre following the disturbing incident.

She was later shocked to learn her son's body was found hanging from a tree.

Nadernairi Pakaya Bogere, the defence secretary in Kazo West says that such an act could be hereditary.

It also emerged that Tumwesigye was expelled from King's College Budo before joining Mengo Senior Secondary School last term as a day scholar. He is reported to have been expelled after exhibiting suicidal tedencies.

John Fred Kazibwe, the head teacher of Mengo Senior Secondary School says that Tumwesigye had been with them for only one term and was performing above average.

"The way he has ended his life is not the best but we pray for the family," he said.

The boy was still undergoing counselling since he was from a boarding school to a day school.

Kazibwe advised students to seek counselling from the school guidance bureau which is composed of eight teachers.

He encouraged parents to follow up with their children and know what goes on at school.

ASP Kasinga Hashim, the DPC of Kawempe says police was notified about the incident and was investigating the disturbing incident.