Two years after Samwel Uko’s death, his family spoke publicly for the first time. According to his father Taban Uko, the death of the 20-year-old athlete in May 2020 caused great distress to his family.
She explained that since her son died, she could no longer work as before.
His mother Joice Guya Issa Bankando remembers him as a quiet boy who always had a smile on his face.
” I must have witnessed his future. I will never have that opportunity again. “
Samwel Uko visited Regina General Hospital on May 21, 2020 where he sought mental health assistance. However, he did not receive the necessary treatment.
Hours later, the young man’s lifeless body was found in Wascana Lake. The cause of his death was attributed to suicide.
Samwel Uko’s parents also watched a video of their son being escorted out of the hospital a few hours before he died. According to them, it was inhumane to treat him.
A family seeking justice
Joice Guya Issa Bankando and Taban Uko left Vancouver to attend the public inquest into the death of their son held in Regina.
According to them, this is part of their search for justice through a system that has failed in not providing necessary care to their children.
They firmly believe that Samwel Uko did not receive the necessary care because of the color of his skin.
” People should be treated with respect, regardless of their physical appearance. “
In 2021, the SHA paid $ 81,000 in damages to Samwel Uko’s family.
” [Ils] We were told to take this money and not tell anyone because people are dying from COVID-19. “
Taban Uko confirms that the money offered by SHA remains intact and he is ready to return the full amount.
An inadequate health care system
Community activist Muna da Ciman said the death of Samwel Uko was a sign that the provincial health system was not adequate to meet the needs of people from diverse backgrounds.
He said mental health challenges are not only felt at the individual level but affect families.
” [La santé mentale] there is no limit, it affects everyone. “
Muna da Ciman added that since Samwel Uko’s death, the Black community in Saskatchewan has had less confidence in the health system and wants to put in place more appropriate cultural mental health services.
The SHA meanwhile, said in a press release that he wanted to recruit more employees from different communities and steps were taken to meet the different needs of the population.
With information from Omayra Issa and Alexander Quon
Source: Radio-Canada
