Tragic Death of Docus Komuhangi Sparks Investigation and Community Outrage in Mbarara
Mbarara City, Uganda—On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the town of Mbarara was shaken by the tragic and mysterious death of Docus Komuhangi, a 10-year-old Primary Five pupil at Rwemiiko Primary School. Found hanging in her bedroom, her sudden and unexplained death has left the community in mourning, prompting a thorough police investigation into whether this was a case of suicide or foul play.
Docus, who had lived with her in-law, Milton Otafiire, for a decade after losing her parents at the age of four, was last seen preparing for school on the morning of her death. The young girl’s life, marked by resilience in the face of early hardship, ended abruptly, leaving family, friends, and neighbors grappling with shock and sorrow. The image of her lifeless body, captured in a photograph shared on social media by 91.2 Crooze FM, shows her seated on a bed in a modest bedroom, surrounded by everyday items—blankets, clothes, and a simple mattress—underscoring the stark reality of her untimely demise.
The police in Mbarara City have launched an inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding Docus’s death. Initial reports suggest uncertainty about whether she took her own life or was a victim of criminal activity. The positioning of her body, with legs bent on the floor, has led some online commentators, including users on X, to question the likelihood of suicide, with suggestions of possible foul play gaining traction. “The way the legs are bent on the floor rules out suicide, but a possible fowl play…” wrote one user, reflecting the growing public suspicion and demand for answers.
Docus’s death has also reignited broader concerns about the safety and well-being of vulnerable children, particularly orphans, in Uganda. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly emotional, with users expressing sympathy and frustration. “Being an orphan is the worst circumstance,” one commenter noted, while another asked, “What’s happening in schools these days?” These sentiments highlight a community grappling with grief and a pressing need for systemic change to protect young lives.
The police have taken Docus’s body for a post-mortem examination, a critical step in uncovering the truth. As investigations continue, the case has drawn parallels to other troubling incidents in Uganda, such as the 2023 assault and subsequent death of Spacious Komuhangi in Sheema, another individual sharing the same surname. While unrelated, these cases underscore persistent safety challenges for individuals, particularly women and children, in the region.