Story by Aggrey Twesigye
Police in Bushenyi District have launched investigations into the suspected suicide of a first-year nursing student at Kampala International University (KIU), Ishaka campus.
The deceased, identified as JohnMary Lukoma, 20, a Muganda by tribe, was found hanging from an avocado tree near the male students’ dormitory toilets early Friday morning.
According to SP Apollo Tayebwa, the acting spokesperson for Greater Bushenyi Police, Lukoma’s body was discovered at around 6:40 a.m. by Patrick Muganga, a campus security guard conducting a routine patrol.
Police were notified at about 8:00 a.m. and responded swiftly to the scene.
The body was later transported to the KIU Teaching Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Preliminary reports suggest that Lukoma may have been under emotional and financial distress.
His roommate, Okony Patrick, informed police that Lukoma had recently struggled to raise tuition fees for the semester, with examinations drawing near.
SP Tayebwa condemned the act and urged students and the wider public to seek support during difficult times rather than turning to suicide. “We appeal to young people facing challenges to speak up and seek help. There is always someone willing to listen and help,” he said.
Investigations are ongoing as police seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
