Journalists from various media houses and community stakeholders in Ntungamo District have undergone training on responsible suicide reporting as part of efforts to strengthen suicide prevention and improve data collection.
The training, supported by Mbarara University of Science and Technology and held at Ankole Resort, focused on ethical reporting, compassionate storytelling, and identifying suicide warning signs within communities.
The training comes amid growing concern among health experts that suicide cases in Uganda may be significantly underreported due to weak surveillance systems, stigma, and limited research.
Globally, about 700,000 people die by suicide each year, with 77 percent of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
Uganda reports about 4.6 deaths per 100,000 people, although experts believe the actual number could be higher due to underreporting.
Previous engagements between Ntungamo District and Mbarara University of Science and Technology revealed major gaps in data collection and research, making it difficult for policymakers and health officials to design effective interventions.
In response, stakeholders are now piloting community-based suicide prevention approaches in Ntungamo.
The initiative involves training frontline health workers, journalists, and community leaders using the 2025 suicide prevention manual to help detect warning signs, provide basic counselling, improve reporting, and raise awareness.
Ntungamo District is being used as a pilot area, with the findings expected to inform future national suicide prevention strategies.
Nesterio Twesigye, the Ntungamo District Health Educator who is leading the training, said the media plays a critical role in suicide prevention through responsible reporting and public awareness.
He explained that the project was introduced after research indicated a high number of suicide attempts in the district, driven by factors such as financial stress, family conflicts, and job loss.
Twesigye said many suicide cases are never reported, which makes it difficult for authorities to understand the scale of the problem and respond effectively.
He urged journalists to report responsibly, avoid sensational reporting, and instead focus on educating the public about mental health, warning signs, and where people can seek help.
