Tragedy as Student Dies by Suicide After Scoring 19 Points in UACE

A student at Mengo Secondary School has died by suicide after receiving her 2025 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education results.

The student had scored 19 points out of a possible 20. According to accounts circulating among students, she had been deeply affected by ridicule from classmates who mocked her performance.

Education stakeholders and mental health advocates say the tragedy highlights a growing concern where students equate self-worth with academic performance, even when their results are objectively excellent. Experts warn that toxic comparison and competitive school environments can distort how learners perceive success.

“This is a wake-up call that performance alone is not enough. We must also support students emotionally,” one education observer said.

A counselor added: “Education is important, but it should not come at the cost of mental health. Students must be taught resilience and self-worth beyond grades.”