Police in Bushenyi District are currently investigating the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of an engineering student at Kampala International University (KIU) western campus. The student, identified as Opirin Boniface, allegedly took his own life by hanging himself.
The distressing incident took place on Sunday evening at Cell D, Ishaka Division in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality. Mr. Marcial Tumusiime, the greater Bushenyi Police Spokesperson, confirmed the details, stating that Opirin was a first-year student in the School of Engineering at KIU.
According to reports, the tragic discovery was made around 12:30 PM on Sunday. A fellow student, who resided in the same hostel as Opirin, went to empty dirty water in the bathroom and was confronted with the harrowing sight of Opirin’s lifeless body hanging.
“The student immediately alerted others in the hostel before raising an alarm that drew the attention of the hostel manager,” Mr. Tumusiime recounted. The manager promptly informed the hostel owner and reported the heartbreaking incident to the Ishaka police station.
Ms. Jolly Kamukama, a local businesswoman in Ishaka Division, expressed shock over the incident, describing Opirin as one of the most disciplined students in the area. “I have never had any issue with the deceased ever since he came in. I don’t know what could have happened to force him to commit suicide, but I hope police will come to the bottom of the matter,” she remarked.
Preliminary findings from the police investigation revealed that alongside Opirin’s body, two packets of rat poison were found in his room. “The deceased was found hanging on the rope inside the shared bathroom and had no visible external injuries except the rope mark around the neck,” Mr. Tumusiime stated.
In light of the tragic incident, the body of Opirin Boniface has been transported to the Kampala International University Teaching Hospital in Ishaka for a postmortem examination. Police inquiries into the matter are ongoing as they strive to uncover the circumstances that led to this devastating loss.
The entire KIU community, as well as residents of Bushenyi District, are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Opirin Boniface. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
