A wave of grief has swept Kabale University following the tragic suicide of Victor Mugarura, a 22-year-old first-year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and land use management, in what authorities say may be a symptom of a deeper and growing mental health crisis among university students in Uganda.

Mugarura, who was pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and Land Use mMagement, was found dead on the evening of July 24, 2025, at his family home in Hamurara Cell, Nyamiyaga Ward, Rubanda District. Police say he allegedly hanged himself in a room where he normally slept.

According to police, the student had gone missing earlier that day after taking his mother’s phone, prompting a family-wide search.

His sister later traced the phone’s ringing to the house where he normally slept. Upon entering, she discovered his lifeless body hanging above the bed.

A handwritten note reportedly left behind read, “I am sorry for this disappointment, but I hope you will forgive me. Dear God, forgive me all my sins. Life is a scum.”

The emotional message, full of regret and hopelessness, has raised urgent questions about the mental well-being of young Ugandans, especially those in institutions of higher learning.

This is not the first suicide involving a university student this year, and mental health professionals say the signs are becoming increasingly concerning.

Academic pressure, financial constraints, family expectations, and isolation are among the leading contributors to psychological distress on campuses across Uganda.

Asiimwe Confidence Nkurunungi, a mental health counsellor at Kabale University revealed that many university students carry immense emotional and academic burdens, often without proper support systems.

“Many are silently suffering in environments that normalize stress but stigmatize seeking help.” she stressed.

The Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson, Elly Maate, confirmed the incident and urged families and communities to engage in open dialogue with the youth and encourage them to speak up when overwhelmed.

“Taking your own life is never the answer,” Maate said. “We strongly encourage the public, especially young people, to reach out to elders, community leaders, and appropriate support services whenever they face personal challenges,” he added.

Police documented the scene, recovered the rope used, and recorded statements from the family. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.

Nkurunungi calls upon universities to establish or strengthen counseling units on campuses and promote awareness campaigns aimed at breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

“Every university should have a professional counsellor available to students,” she said.

“Victor’s death must be a wake-up call. We need to create safe spaces where students can express their struggles without fear of judgment or ridicule,” she added.

As the academic community mourns the loss of a promising young life, the tragedy serves as a reminder that mental health is not a side issue; it is central to student success, safety, and survival.