Kamuli S.3 Student Commits Suicide After Alleged School Expulsion
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A Senior Three student in Kamuli District died by suicide after allegedly being expelled from Irundu Secondary School for possessing a mobile phone.
- Local leaders expressed shock and urged stronger guidance and counseling programs in schools and homes.
- The incident highlights concerns about school discipline, the enforcement of phone bans, and the need for open communication between parents and children.
Residents of Nabirumba Parish in Kamuli District are in shock following the apparent suicide of Amuza Basoome, a 17-year-old Senior Three student at Irundu Secondary School in Buyende District.
It is truly disheartening that a young man has lost his life over what appears to be a disciplinary matter. The focus should be on discipline and proper guidance of children.
According to former district councillor Mberenge Kitimbo, the student was reportedly expelled after being found with a mobile phone on school premises. Kitimbo lamented the loss of a young life over what appears to be a disciplinary issue, emphasizing the need for proper guidance for children. Upon returning home, Basoome's father questioned him about the phone, but the teenager reportedly offered no explanation and was assigned garden work. He was found dead the following morning.
This is the second suicide incident reported in the area within two weeks, I strongly encourage community and religious leaders to take proactive measures to address the growing challenge.
This is the second suicide incident reported in the area within two weeks, prompting the LCIII Chairperson of Nabwigulu Sub-county, George Bogere, to call for proactive measures from community and religious leaders. Bogere urged individuals experiencing emotional distress to seek help rather than suffer in silence.
The Ministry of Education has not changed its position on the use of mobile phones in schools. It is therefore important that all stakeholders adhere to the established guidelines to promote effective administration and discipline.
George Byantuyo, Chairperson of Private Schools in Kamuli District, described the incident as unfortunate. He reiterated the Ministry of Education's stance prohibiting mobile phones in schools and stressed the importance of stakeholders adhering to these guidelines for effective administration and discipline. Byantuyo also highlighted the critical need for stronger communication between parents and children, noting that Basoome had an opportunity to discuss the phone's origin with his parents but did not.
The boy had an opportunity to explain the origin of the phone to his parents but chose not to. It is important for parents to maintain open communication with their children so they feel comfortable discussing difficult situations.
Originally published by AllAfrica Uganda. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.