TESO SOUTH: A middle-aged man was found dead in his house in what is suspected to be a suicide, at Amoni Village, Angorom Ward in Teso South, Busia County.

The victim, identified as Raphael Fundi, a Ugandan national, is believed to have taken his own life due to mounting financial pressures.

Family and neighbors say the incident is a heartbreaking consequence of the high cost of living.

According to a close associate, Moses Andika, the victim had been struggling for months with job loss, rising food prices, and unpaid utility bills.

Andika said Fundi had been using drugs and had previously threatened to end his life.

“He has been using drugs coupled with lots of personal problems, hence has vowed to take his life despite my attempts to talk to him to understand that life is about trying,” Moses reiterated.

Andika added that the deceased had been known to be jovial and hardworking, and he was left “tongue-tied” upon learning that Fundi had taken his life. He urged the public to reach out for assistance rather than battling depression alone.

This incident comes barely a week after local leaders called for expanded access to counselling services and emergency financial aid. The county government has pledged to review its social support programs, though critics argue that action has been too slow.