Police in Lira City West Division have registered cases of suspected suicide by hanging, the first involving a music producer.

The second matter involved Obonyo Samwiri, a 22-year-old male casual worker and resident of Kichope Cell, Ojwina Ward, Lira City West Division, Lira City.

SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, PRO of North Kyoga Region, said the incident reportedly occurred on October 16, 2026, at approximately 1:30pm.

Mugisha Patrick, 45, and vice chairperson of the LCI of Kichope Cell, reported the incident to divisional police.

According to preliminary information, on the fateful day at around 10am, the deceased reportedly started consuming alcohol heavily.

At approximately 1pm, he allegedly went to a nearby shop and purchased a nylon rope, said SP Okema.

However, at about 1:30pm, he was discovered hanging from a tree using the rope he had reportedly purchased. “The relevant authorities were subsequently notified,” the regional police PRO said.

Police officers visited and documented the scene, and an exhibit was recovered. The body was later conveyed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.

SP Okema, in a statement, said preliminary findings indicate that the deceased died by hanging and was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

Investigations started immediately to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death.

‘Same deaths, same area’

Police in Lira City West Division also registered a case of suspected suicide by hanging involving Lolo Sam, 38. Lolo was a music producer and resident of Ojwina Quarter Cell, Ojwina Ward, Lira City West Division.

His death was reported to Ojwina Police Station on October 16. 2026 at 5pm.

The deceased was reportedly a born-again Christian until around May 2026, when he allegedly began excessive alcohol consumption and exhibited signs of depression, Police say in a statement.

His friends reportedly attempted to counsel him, but their efforts did not yield the desired results.

On October 16, the deceased reportedly arrived at his music studio in Wigweng Cell at around 11am “but did not emerge for several hours,” SP Okema said. “This raised concern among his friends, who subsequently checked on him and discovered him hanging inside one of the rooms at the studio.”

The matter was immediately reported to the police, prompting a response team comprising the Divisional Crime Intelligence Officer, Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO), and homicide detectives.

Okema said the scene was examined, processed, and documented, while statements were recorded from relevant witnesses to aid investigations.

Further findings at the scene indicate that the deceased had allegedly used a nylon rope to hang himself. His body was retrieved and conveyed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary pending a postmortem examination to establish the cause of death.

“The Territorial Police in North Kyoga Region regret this tragic incident and extend their condolences to the family, friends, and all those affected by the loss,” PRO SP Okema said.

Police urge members of the public experiencing emotional distress, depression, alcohol-related challenges, or other personal difficulties to seek timely support from trusted family members, friends, health professionals, or other appropriate support services.