A 17-year-old student of Nkutu Memorial Secondary School has died after falling from a mango tree at his home in Busesa, Bugweri district in eastern Uganda.
Moses Mabinda reportedly returned from school and exchanged pleasantries with his parents before climbing a mango tree in the family’s backyard. He allegedly slipped and fell face down.
His siblings initially thought he was playing but soon realised he was unresponsive and struggling to breathe.
His father, Mukoteka Tenywa, rushed him to Busesa Health Centre IV for treatment. However, as his condition deteriorated, he was referred to Iganga General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Tenywa described his son as an active and healthy boy who cared for his younger siblings. He said the family was struggling to come to terms with his sudden death.
Michael Kasadha, the Busoga East police spokesperson, confirmed the incident, adding that the body was lying at Iganga General Hospital mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination.
Sad, RIP. We survived those mango tree falls in the village. I almost lost my sibling to it.
If everyone was prosperous, a mango tree wouldn’t be the first place to visit to fill the stomach after returning from school. While some climb mango trees, others open fridges to grab cold beverages. There would be no problem if mango tree climbers could also climb social ladders if they worked hard.
Give every child, including those from poor backgrounds a chance for upward social mobility. Please play fair.