Nakasero Market Vendor Found Dead on Kampala Golf Course Amid Rising Suicide Rates

Summary:

• Kampala police are investigating the death of Simon Bakole, a Nakasero market vendor found hanging on a golf course. This incident highlights a sharp increase in suicides in Uganda’s capital, with several similar cases reported recently. Experts cite financial stress and lack of mental health support as key factors. Authorities are urging increased mental health awareness and workplace support.

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KAMPALA, (Examiner) – Kampala police are investigating the death of Simon Bakole, a vendor from Nakasero Market, who was found hanging on a Kampala golf course early Tuesday morning. This incident comes amid a troubling increase in suicide cases in and around Uganda’s capital.

Bakole, 47, was discovered around 7 AM, with his market identity card and a woman’s national identity card on him. Edwin Ocaya, head of security at the golf course, confirmed the discovery to reporters.

The Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, stated that the incident is being treated as a suspected suicide. “The crime scene was examined by a homicide team, and all signs indicate suicide by hanging,” he said. Bakole’s body was taken to Mulago City Mortuary, and his relatives have been informed.

This case adds to a worrying trend in Kampala. ASP Owoyesigyire noted a sharp rise in suicide cases, with several incidents reported in the past week alone.

On June 3, three cases were recorded in Bulenga, Katwe, and Kiira. Two men reportedly hanged themselves, while an Asian national, Shukla Chiragkumar, 35, jumped from a hotel building in Bukoto, sustaining fatal injuries. The same week, John Birungi Babirukamu, a prominent ICT specialist, allegedly jumped to his death from a hotel building in Kamwokya.

The World Health Organization reports that over 700,000 people die by suicide annually, making it the fourth leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds globally. Uganda’s Ministry of Health highlights that the country has a high suicide rate, with men being at greater risk.

Mental health expert Drabe Godfrey Yiki pointed to loans, family issues, poor workplace performance, and the lack of mental health support at work as significant factors contributing to the rise in suicides. “Workplaces need to organize open sessions for employees to share their emotions and challenges,” he advised. Drabe also called for government-led mental health awareness campaigns to provide much-needed support to Ugandans.

This ongoing trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health interventions to address the root causes of suicide in Uganda.

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