Wakiso, Uganda – The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) are investigating the tragic suicide of Lieutenant Amon Ariho, who shot himself in the head on January 2, 2025. The incident occurred in Nakirebe, located between Wakiso and Mpigi districts, and has raised concerns regarding mental health among military personnel.
According to Maj Charles Kabona, spokesperson for the UPDF First Division, Lt Ariho, serving under the Engineering Brigade, stopped his vehicle at a local football playground before taking his life. Witnesses reported that he had chased away players before pulling out his SMG gun and committing suicide.
The police were quick to respond, cordoning off the scene and recovering Lt Ariho’s phone and documents from his vehicle. His body has been transferred to Mulago mortuary, while the firearm and car have been taken to Mpigi Police for further investigation.
Maj Kabona condemned the act, stating that investigations are ongoing to determine the underlying causes of this unfortunate incident. He noted that incidents of suicide among security personnel have been a growing concern, with previous reports indicating that at least 13 police officers and four soldiers took their own lives in 2022 alone.
Psychologist Edward Bantu, who has conducted mental health assessments for police officers, attributes such incidents to a lack of regular counseling services and poor working conditions.