The police at Kira Road in Kampala are investigating the suspected suicide of Shukla Chiragkumar, a 35-year-old Indian national.
The incident occurred this Monday, June, 3 2024, at Skyz Hotel, Naguru, Nakawa Division, Kampala City.
“At approximately 12:30 am, it is alleged that the deceased fell from the fourth floor of the building in front of the hotel entrance, breaking his arm,” said ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Public Relations Officer, Kampala Metropolitan Police.
“He was promptly removed by hotel staff and rushed to UMC Bukoto, where he was pronounced dead,” he added.
Police’s preliminary investigations reveal that the deceased had checked into room 1402 with an as-yet-unidentified lady with whom he spent the night.
Babirukamu’s family said he was struggling with depression.
Mourners used Babirukamu’s tragedy to urge authorities to give mental health the attention it deserves.
“The church and relevant government organs need to take considerable interest in the issue of mental health,” said retired Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde, a family friend at the church service.
“If you have a problem, please ask for help,” he rallied the mourners.
Mental health situation
Cases of suicide have been on the rise in Uganda in recent years.
Uganda is ranked 17th on the list of countries where suicide is registered as a cause of death, with 18.67 per 100,000 deaths due to suicide in Uganda.
In 2019, police processed 456 suicide scenes and 223 attempted suicide cases were reported –signaling a sharp rise in deaths by suicide in the country.
In the 2021 Annual Crime Report, the number of processed suicide scenes by the Crime Investigation Department of Uganda Police grew to 615.
Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are major factors contributing to the incidence of suicide, according to World Health Organization.
Owoyesigyire said the motive behind this incident is still under investigation.
“The body of the deceased has been transported to the city mortuary at Mulago for a postmortem examination. Further details will be provided as they become available,” he added.
