Lira Parents Arrested After Teen Son's Suicide Amid Allegations of Step-Mother Torture

Police in Lira City have apprehended a couple after their 15-year-old son tragically died by suicide, reportedly due to severe mistreatment. The Primary Seven pupil, Erick Odongo, was found deceased in his home on Sunday morning.

A suicide note discovered in Odongo’s pocket detailed accusations against his stepmother, Harriet Akullu, citing her alleged torture as the reason for his decision to end his life. The boy lived with his father, Walter Odongo, and Akullu, his stepmother, after his parents separated.

Local authorities confirmed the arrests, stating the couple is assisting police with their investigation. The incident has been transferred to Lira City West Police Station for further proceedings.

This heartbreaking event in Lira is part of a disturbing trend of increased domestic abuse and mental health issues among minors in Uganda. Reports indicate a sharp rise in psychological distress among children and adolescents nationwide, with specific sub-regions like Lango experiencing an alarming rate of youth suicide attempts and deaths.

North Kyoga Police Spokesperson, SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. He emphasized the importance of strengthening family communication, providing psychosocial support to young people, and reporting any signs of distress to the authorities.