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He Was Hated! P.7 Leaver Burns Self To Death
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a 16-year-old boy from Kitende Sisa in Wakiso District, identified as Abdurahim Rusiba, reportedly took his own life last Friday by setting himself ablaze using petrol. The incident came to light when neighbors noticed smoke billowing from a bathroom outside the Rusiba family house.
According to health workers at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, where Abdurahim was rushed after the incident, he had suffered from severe burns, with 90 percent of his skin surface area damaged by fire. Dr. Edris Kalanzi, the head of burns and reconstructive surgery at Kiruddu hospital, revealed that the young boy had been complaining about not feeling loved.
“He was brought to the hospital on Friday night, severely burnt, and he passed away the following day around 9 am. The major issue was the underlying mental health problem, which had been diagnosed and addressed,” explained Dr. Kalanzi.
The tragedy has sparked discussions about the importance of mental health, as the deceased had indicated feelings of loneliness and a lack of love. In an audio recording that has gone viral on social media, a woman claiming to be the deceased’s aunt mentioned that Abdurahim had shared his struggles with feeling unloved with his family.
“The whole body was burnt beyond recognition. It was only a small part of his face that survived. When he was asked why he had attempted to commit suicide, he said he was not loved, and that it was only his brother who loved him,” added Dr. Kalanzi.
Contrary to earlier reports that suggested academic pressures might have led to the tragic incident, Abdurahim’s father, Mr. Musa Waligo, refuted such claims. He stated that his son had not received his Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) results, and his death was likely triggered by a deep-seated feeling of not being loved rather than academic performance.
Mr. Waligo disclosed that his son had previously expressed thoughts of suicide, citing instances where he was mocked by peers for a speech impairment he had since childhood. Despite efforts to address these concerns, the young boy’s struggles persisted.
The family is now grappling with the aftermath of this devastating loss, and the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support, particularly among young individuals. The community is urged to come together to foster an environment where individuals can openly discuss their challenges and receive the necessary support and counseling.