MICHAEL N
Communities and families in Ntungamo District have been urged to embrace humanity and unity as a key step in fighting the rising cases of suicide among young people.
Ntungamo District, in partnership with Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) and the World Health Organization, has launched a practical guide aimed at reducing suicide cases through community empowerment, education, and sensitisation programmes.
The initiative was unveiled during a meeting held yesterday afternoon at Ankole Resort Hotel in Ntungamo Municipality. The meeting was attended by officials from the district health department, the Office of the RDC, security representatives, professors, lecturers, doctors from MUST, and researchers.
Speaking at the launch, the Vice Chancellor of MUST, Prof. Pauline Byakika, said the partnership seeks to address the increasing cases of suicide, particularly in Ntungamo District.
She noted that many people still underestimate suicide and fail to recognise it as a serious public health concern.
Meanwhile, Dr. Herbert Ainamaani, a Clinical Psychologist from Kabale University, revealed that research conducted in 2022 through open public discussions shows that the majority of suicide victims are male youths and adult men.
He explained that many victims resort to methods such as hanging using ropes, as well as poisoning through pesticides and insecticides.
Dr. Ainamaani further disclosed that Ntungamo District currently records the highest number of suicide cases in South Western Uganda.
Also speaking at the event, Prof. Celestino Obua from MUST attributed the high suicide rates to poverty, debt, domestic violence, depression, and financial stress.
He said the university will collaborate closely with the district health department to conduct community sensitisation meetings aimed at addressing violence, financial pressures, and other social challenges contributing to suicide.
Dr. Ainamaani encouraged families and communities to support individuals battling depression by showing love, offering guidance, and ensuring they seek professional counselling and medical help where necessary.
He also urged families to support one another financially, especially those struggling with debts and economic instability, in order to prevent vulnerable individuals from resorting to suicide.
Ntungamo District Health Officer, Bahati Amon, said the district health department has intensified efforts to educate the public on suicide prevention by working with religious leaders and community leaders to spread awareness and promote early intervention.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening community-based interventions and called on the public to treat mental health as a shared responsibility in order to safeguard the lives of young people and the wider community.
