Police in Mbale City have launched investigations into the suspected suicide of a 19-year-old student who was found dead in her family home in Bumutoto Ward, Industrial Division. The deceased has been identified as Namakoye Vanisa, a Senior Five student at Mbale Progressive Secondary School and a resident of Bunamwani Lower Cell.
The tragic incident comes just days after another student, Nelima Catherine, was found dead in a similar suspected suicide case in the city. According to the Elgon Region Police spokesperson, Rogers Taitika, preliminary investigations indicate that Namakoye and the late Nelima were close friends. Police say they are examining all possible circumstances surrounding the latest death.
Police reports indicate that Namakoye is believed to have taken her own life between 10:30 p.m. and midnight on Thursday, 2026. She allegedly used a necktie tied to a window burglar proofing inside her room. Investigators say the events leading to the tragedy began earlier in the evening when Namakoye sent her younger sister with Shs10,000 to purchase food for supper. The younger girl reportedly lost the money and returned home empty-handed.
Enraged by the loss, Namakoye is alleged to have physically assaulted her sister, forcing their grandmother to intervene and protect the child. Later, when Namakoye’s mother, Juliet Natulal, returned home, she was informed about the incident. Attempts to speak to her daughter were unsuccessful after the teenager reportedly locked herself in a room and refused to respond.
At about 9:30 p.m., Juliet left for a nearby trading centre. When she returned shortly before midnight accompanied by her husband, Moses Mutoto, the couple discovered their daughter hanging from a window burglarproofing inside the room. Police were immediately notified and rushed to the scene.
Officers from the Homicide Department and Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) visited the home, documented the scene and recovered evidence. The body was later transported to Mbale City Mortuary for a post-mortem examination. The incident has renewed concern over the growing number of suspected suicide cases involving young people in Mbale. Police have urged parents, guardians, teachers and community leaders to remain vigilant and provide emotional support to children and adolescents facing personal challenges. Investigations into the matter are ongoing-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
