By Mike Rwothomio

Residents of Nyibola Ward in Paidha Town Council, Zombo District, woke up to a tragic scene in the early hours of Tuesday after a renowned local photographer, identified only as Charles and believed to be in his late 40s, was found dead, hanging and dangling from a rope tied to a jackfruit tree in Jupandika East.

The deceased had been staying with his wife at his mother-in-law’s residence.

Charles was a well-known local photographer who specialised in covering public functions, social gatherings, political rallies, and religious events. He would later sell the photographs to members of the public who had permitted their events to be captured for future reference.

Bonny Ubedki, the area councillor for Nyibola Ward, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Tuesday, June 9. 

He said the death of the village resident had taken the community by surprise.

“We have preliminary reports indicating that he was stressed up a lot,” Ubedki stated. He appealed to community members experiencing difficulties to openly share their issues with local, religious, cultural, and health leaders for assistance.

Local leaders reported the case to Paidha Central Police Station, after which the body was taken to the deceased’s home in Oturgang Ward.

This incident comes shortly after two similar cases in neighbouring Abanga Sub-county. On February 16, 2026, a man identified as Bedi Amos was found hanging from a jackfruit tree next to his compound. In May this year, Ujigi Tindo was also found dead, hanging from a tree in Alesi, Pakadha Parish, Abanga Sub-county.

Earlier in February this year, Denis Oyergiu, a 48-year-old resident of Alengu Cell, Ndidu Ward, in Padea Town Council, Zombo District, was discovered dead in an apparent suicide by hanging.

Local leaders have urged residents facing social, domestic, or psychological challenges to seek timely help from government officials, religious leaders, elders, or community support structures to prevent further tragedies.

Suicide remains a significant public health concern in Uganda, often linked to financial difficulties, family conflicts, domestic disputes, and unaddressed mental health issues.

According to police records, Uganda registered and investigated 218 cases of attempted suicide in 2024. The World Health Organization Uganda reported 165 cases of attempted suicide officially documented by police in 2023.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa, your number one grassroot information hub for Africa news stories and updates.