Police have launched an investigation into the death of Mayanja Christopher, 54, who was found hanging in his home in Mitemula village, Masaka City. The incident, which occurred under suspicious circumstances, has raised concerns in the local community and highlighted the growing issue of suicides in the area.
Mayanja’s lifeless body was discovered by his wife, Immaculate Nabiryo, who found him hanging from a rope inside their house.
A note left at the scene read, ''I've been on the verge of losing my mind, so I thought this was the best." The message conveyed a deep sense of despair, suggesting that Mayanja may have chosen to end his own life.
In addition to the note, Nabiryo revealed that her husband had sent her a text message before his death, stating, "Everything comes with a price.
" This message, sent using a mobile phone SIM, added to the mystery surrounding his death. Nabiryo, deeply distressed by the loss, expressed her anxiety over the future of her family. “Since he sent me that message on the phone, I have been worried about what is right next for my relatives’ lives,” she said.
Stephen Kawalya, the village chairman of Mitemula, disclosed that this was not the first time Mayanja had attempted suicide.
“This was the third time he had tried to commit suicide, but we always spoke to him and stopped him from committing suicide,” Kawalya said.
He noted that Mayanja often expressed feelings of hopelessness, adding, “He has been saying that he has problems and has often said that when he is bored with life, that it is better to die.”
The Greater Masaka Police Spokesperson, Twaha Kasirye, confirmed that authorities are actively gathering information to determine the circumstances of Mayanja’s death and whether it was indeed a case of suicide.
“We condemn all means of ending life by committing suicide, but we condole with the bereaved family,” Kasirye stated. He emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying factors contributing to the rising suicide rates in the area.
The incident has brought to light a troubling trend in Masaka, where suicide cases have been on the rise. In the past three months alone, seven individuals have reportedly taken their own lives in the region.
This has sparked calls for increased mental health awareness and support services to help those struggling with psychological distress.
The local authorities have urged anyone experiencing emotional difficulties to seek help from mental health professionals, family members, or community leaders, as early intervention can be crucial in preventing such tragedies.
As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of a man who, despite his struggles, was supported by those who knew him. The circumstances surrounding Mayanja's death remain under scrutiny, with police pledging to uncover the truth and provide answers to the grieving family.