Lira City – 25th June 2024, Lira-City West Division was left reeling in shock yesterday morning after the discovery of a prominent headteacher’s body in a suspected suicide. Umar Shadick, the headteacher of Okio Primary School in Aromo Sub-County, was found dead by hanging from a mango tree near his residence.
According to a statement released by the police, the incident occurred in the early hours of June 24, 2024. Bua Moses, the chairperson of the Local Council I (LCI) of Anai, Agali cell, reported the incident to the police at Lira-City West Division. Moses stated that Umar Shadick had gone out of his house for a short call around 1:00 a.m. but never returned. His body was later discovered by family members at around 7:00 a.m. hanging from a mango tree a short distance from his house.
A team of police officers from Lira City West Division, led by the in-charge of homicide, responded to the scene and conveyed the body to Lira Regional Referral Hospital’s mortuary for a postmortem examination.
The police have launched an investigation into the incident, with SP and police PRO for North Kyoga, Patrick Jimmy Okema, urging calmness and patience from the relatives and the community. Okema stated that the police are awaiting the postmortem report to determine the next course of action.
Umar Shadick’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with colleagues, students, and parents expressing their condolences and disbelief at the tragic incident. The headteacher was described as a dedicated and passionate educator who had served the school and community with distinction.
The incident has also raised concerns about the mental health and well-being of educators and the need for support systems to be put in place to prevent such tragedies.
As the investigation continues, the community remains in mourning, and the police have urged anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward.
The police are appealing to anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them immediately. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to establish the circumstances surrounding Umar Shadick’s death.
The police and the community have extended their condolences to the family and loved ones of Umar Shadick. The headteacher’s dedication and service to the community will be remembered and honoured.