The Ugandan police has released statistics showing that depression is one of the major causes pushing suicide rates high in Uganda.
Statistics from the Uganda police indicate that a significant number of cases registered between January and June 2011.
The director criminal investigation department Edward Ochom noted that a total number of 175 cases of suicide cases have been recorded from January and June 2011.
Ochom noted that 27 of the cases of suicides were committed by men 38 by women, 5 by juvenile’s male and 5 by female juveniles’.
Ochom admits that it is difficult for police to a ascertain whether some of the cases are actually suicidal or murder disguise as suicide.
The report noted that most of the suicide cases stem from depression arising from family disputes, disagreements, fear of crime penalty,failure to pay off loans and fear of responsibility.
Dr. David Basangwa a senior consultant psychiatrists Butabika hospital explained that 60% of the people who committed suicide who have communicated about how they feel and what they plan to do but unfortunately people close to them don’t take them seriously.
Dr. Basangwa says as soon as one hints a suicide act they should be helped to get professional assistance and assessment.
By Mugisa Isaac Mathias
