A 16-year-old Primary Seven student allegedly took his own life last Friday after failing to achieve an Aggregate 4 in the recently released 2023 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). Identified as Abdurahim Rusiba, a resident of Kitende Sisa in Wakiso District, the teenager set himself on fire using petrol and tragically passed away upon reaching Kiruddu National Referral Hospital.

The incident unfolded following the revelation of the PLE results, where Rusiba reportedly did not meet his expectations. A viral audio recording on social media features a woman, purportedly the deceased’s aunt, narrating the distressing event. She describes how Rusiba, upon learning of his academic performance, wrapped himself in a blanket, doused himself in petrol, and set himself on fire in the bathroom.

Dr. Edris Kalanzi, heading the Burns and Reconstructive Surgery Unit at Kiruddu, disclosed that when Rusiba arrived at the hospital, approximately 90% of his skin was already burned. Despite medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries the next day around 9 am. Dr. Kalanzi suggested an underlying mental health issue, which had been diagnosed but not adequately addressed, contributing to the tragedy.

The woman in the audio recording claimed that Rusiba felt unloved, except by his brother. His father, Musa Waligo, dismissed the notion that PLE results were the sole cause, revealing that his son had previously expressed suicidal thoughts due to being mocked for his speech impairment. Despite counseling, the teenager’s emotional struggles persisted.

On the day of the incident, according to Mr. Waligo, Rusiba carried out routine tasks with his siblings before obtaining petrol. He then returned home, went to an outdoor bathroom, and set himself on fire. Neighbors rushed him to the hospital in an attempt to save him.

While the PLE results may have contributed to the overall stress, the father emphasized that his son’s death was rooted in deeper emotional challenges and a sense of not being loved. The tragedy highlights the importance of addressing mental health concerns and fostering supportive environments for vulnerable individuals.