A 21-year-old woman has died after allegedly ingesting a pesticide following an incident involving the family of a man suspected of impregnating her in Chahafi Town Council, Kisoro District.
The deceased has been identified as Gloria Ahimbisimbwe, a resident of Karuzogera Village, South Ward, Chahafi Town Council.
According to the Vice Chairperson LC I of Karuzogera Village, Amos Nizeyimana, Gloria was allegedly pregnant after a relationship with Balbart Manirakiza, a resident of the same area. It is alleged that the two first visited a health centre where the pregnancy was confirmed.
Nizeyimana said Manirakiza reportedly advised Gloria to meet him at his parents’ home. However, upon her arrival, she was allegedly assaulted and chased away by a woman believed to be Manirakiza’s mother.
The village leader said Gloria later returned to her parents’ home where she allegedly consumed a pesticide locally known as “Rocket.”
Relatives, who requested anonymity, claimed Gloria felt neglected after allegedly receiving little support from both her family and that of the man believed to be responsible for the pregnancy. They believe this may have contributed to her decision to take her own life.
Family members reportedly found Gloria unconscious in her bedroom and rushed her to Kisoro Hospital for treatment. She later succumbed to the effects of the suspected poisoning on Friday night.
Relatives said Balbart Manirakiza is currently being held at Kisoro Central Police Station as investigations continue. Burial arrangements for Gloria are underway.
By press time, the Uganda Police Force in Kisoro had not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding Gloria’s death are ongoing.
