EDITOR
The tragic death of 34-year-old Jackson Niyonsaba from Nyaruhengeri Village, Busamba Ward, Southern Division in Kisoro Municipality has sparked fresh concern over the growing mental health challenges in local communities.
Niyonsaba, who had been working in Kisoro Town as a casual laborer, reportedly ended his life by drowning in Lake Mutanda. His family disclosed that he had been battling mental illness, a condition that had gone largely unnoticed by many around him.
The LCIII Chairperson of Southern Division, James Ndahiro, confirmed the incident and revealed that police, along with relatives, retrieved the body on Wednesday evening. It was later transferred to Kisoro Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Local authorities have used the incident to highlight the urgent need for better mental health support at the community level. Kalan Zadok, Officer in Charge at Nyakinama Police Post, called on residents to remain alert and proactive in assisting individuals facing mental health struggles.
He emphasized that suicide is not a solution and that early intervention and strong communal support are crucial. Zadok also praised a group of young children who first spotted Niyonsaba’s body floating in the lake, enabling authorities to respond quickly.
As the community mourns Niyonsaba’s passing, leaders are urging families, friends, and neighbors to look out for one another and speak up when someone is in distress. They are also calling on government and non-profit organizations to step up mental health education and counseling services in rural and urban areas alike.
