The spirit of Elishama Ssesaazi, a Senior Three student at Seeta High School Main Campus, is restless and has kept on haunting, seeking justice.
The 16-year-old was found dead under mysterious circumstances, allegedly having hanged himself with a mosquito net.
His lifeless body was reportedly discovered by fellow students at around 3 am as they prepared for early morning revision.
But conflicting accounts, unanswered questions, and the school’s reluctance to cooperate with investigators have cast doubt on the official version of events.
However, inconsistencies in reports surrounding his death have sparked speculation, both online and within local communities.
Conflicting Narratives
Some reports suggest Elishama took his own life after his father refused to give him UGX 2million, while others point to notes allegedly written by the deceased expressing life frustrations.
However, handwriting inconsistencies in these notes have raised doubts about their authenticity.
His family remains unconvinced that his death was a suicide.
Speaking on their behalf, his uncle, Edward Ntale, questioned why the school administration denied them access to his body before it was taken away by police.
“They hurriedly called the police and removed our son’s body from the scene, yet we had requested them to wait for us. The matter was supposed to be handled by Seeta Police, but Mukono officers were instead called in,” Ntale said.
Adding to the doubts, he questioned how a student could have hanged himself in a triple-decker bed, given the limited space between the decks.
Stalled Investigations
A case file, SD 04/21/02/2025, has been opened at Mukono Police Station.
However, sources within the crime department indicate that progress has stalled due to an inability to secure statements from crucial witnesses, including students, teachers, and school administrators.
Investigators also claim they were instructed by State Minister for Higher Education, JC Muyingo, who was at the scene, to collect the body and leave the school premises.
Subsequent attempts to interview school staff were reportedly rebuffed, with the headteacher, Lilian Namulondo, directing officers to consult the minister.
While appearing before parliament, Muyingo assured legislators that police were investigating student deaths at schools and would determine the real cause of Elishama’s death.
Forensic Analysis Underway
The crime scene remains cordoned off, the New Vision this week reported that a forensic examination of the bedsheet allegedly used in the hanging is being conducted at the Government Analytical Laboratory in Wandegeya, Kampala to identify any foreign DNA that could indicate foul play.
However, images from the scene have raised further questions. The deceased was found in a casual tracksuit, with a white net tied to a wooden beam.
His body position, head tilted as if his neck was broken, arms hanging loosely, has led some to doubt whether there was a struggle.
At this point, police say they cannot proceed with the investigation without witness statements, nor can they submit the file to the Resident State Attorney due to a lack of crucial details.
END.