S.5 Student Commits Suicide Over Forced Subjects Combination

The community of Wampeewo Senior Secondary School in Wakiso district is in shock following the tragic suicide of Hawa Nantongo, a 17-year-old Senior Five student. Nantongo reportedly took her own life after a prolonged dispute with her mother over her subject choices.

Nantongo had been compelled by her mother to pursue a science combination of Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics (BCM), despite her preference for Arts subjects including Divinity, Economics, and Luganda (DEL). The tension between her academic aspirations and her mother’s expectations culminated in a heartbreaking outcome.

According to sources within the school, Nantongo’s mother had been summoned several times to discuss the matter but remained steadfast in her decision. Teachers attempted to mediate, explaining that the BCM combination was causing Nantongo significant distress and was beyond her capabilities. However, these efforts were unsuccessful.

A fellow student, who requested anonymity, revealed that Nantongo frequently cried over her academic situation, expressing that the pressure was too much for her to bear. Another close friend disclosed that Nantongo was further traumatized when her mother introduced her to another man as her biological father, contradicting her belief about her parentage.

The tragic incident occurred on the evening of June 7th, 2024. Nantongo, who resided in the school’s boarding section, managed to evade the school gatekeeper by posing as a day scholar. She was later found deceased, having hanged herself in a nearby wetland area.

Police have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. Nantongo’s body has been transported to Mulago Mortuary for a postmortem examination as investigations begin to uncover the precise circumstances surrounding her death.

The devastating news has left students and teachers at Wampeewo Senior Secondary School grappling with grief and confusion. The incident highlights the severe pressures that some students face regarding their academic paths and the potential consequences of unresolved familial conflicts.