By Tolit Ivan
A12 year boy has committed suicide under unclear circumstances in Barolam Cell, Acet Town Council, Omoro District bringing to 10 children to have committed suicide in Acholi sub region since this year began.
Erick Ojok’s body was discovered on Monday morning at around 7am dangling on a tree about 500 meters from their home.
Okello Stephen Katanga, the Local Council One Chairperson, Barolam Village, confirmed the report saying the incident has left the entire community in shock.
Efforts to reach out David Ongom Mudong, the Aswa West Police Spokesperson over the matter was futile since his known mobile number didn’t go through.
A recent report by SOS Children’s village in partnership with Mental Health Uganda, Youth Mental Health Norway, has linked spike in teen suicide on a number of factors including stress due to poor performance, family issues including domestic violence, depression and anxiety, death of loved ones and lastly physical and sexual violence.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death globally, accounting for about 800,000 deaths annually.
The suicide burden drastically increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
