Police in Mbale City have opened investigations after a 19-year-old student was found dead at her home in Bumutoto Ward, Industrial Division.
The deceased has been identified as Vanisa Namakoye, a Senior Five student at Mbale Progressive Secondary School. She was a resident of Bunamwani Lower Cell.
Police suspect the case may be suicide, although investigations are still ongoing.
The incident comes just days after 16-year-old Catherine Nelima was found dead in another suspected suicide case in Bukisukye Lower Cell, also in Bumutoto Ward.
Police Say Two Girls Were Close Friends
Elgon regional police spokesperson Rogers Taitika said preliminary reports indicate that Namakoye and Nelima were close friends.
Police believe Namakoye died between 10:30pm and midnight on Thursday.
According to investigators, events leading to the incident began earlier that evening after Namakoye sent her younger sister with Shs10,000 to buy food for supper.
The younger girl reportedly lost the money and returned home without the food.
Police say Namakoye became angry and allegedly assaulted her sister. Their grandmother intervened and protected the child.
Later, Namakoye’s mother, Juliet Natulal, returned home and was informed about what had happened.
Mother Found Daughter Unresponsive
Police said Natulal tried to speak to her daughter, but the teenager had reportedly locked herself in a room and refused to respond.
At about 9:30pm, Natulal left for a nearby trading centre.
When she returned shortly before midnight with her husband, Moses Mutoto, they found Namakoye unresponsive inside the room.
Police were notified, and officers from the Homicide Department and the Scene of Crime Office responded to the scene.
The officers documented the scene and recovered exhibits before the body was taken to Mbale City Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
Police Urge Support for Young People
The latest case has renewed concern about suspected suicides involving young people in Mbale City.
Police urged parents, guardians, teachers and community leaders to pay close attention to the emotional wellbeing of children and adolescents.
They also called for timely support for young people facing personal, emotional or psychological challenges.