Friday, July 11, 2025
UG Standard - Latest News
  • Home
  • News
    • DIPLOMACY
    • COURT
    • AFRICA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • INTERVIEW:
    • National
    • Parliament
    • World
    • Regional
  • Business
    • AGRIBUSINESS
    • OIL & GAS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECH
    • INNOVATIONS
    • TELCOM
  • OpED
  • EDUCATION
  • INVESTIGATION
    • NATIONAL ARCHIVE
    • SPECIAL REPORT
    • ANALYSIS
  • FEATURES
    • SOCIETY
    • Community
    • Pictorial
    • PROFILES
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • ENVIRONMENT
  • Tours & Travel
    • Hotel & Hospitality
  • Sports
  • About Us
  • Login
UG Standard - Latest News
ADVERTISEMENT

Mental Health is Uganda’s Time Bomb – Experts

by NTEZA MICHAEL | REPORTER
14/06/2024
in News
Reading Time: 2 mins read
A A
0
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

KAMPALA-As cases of mental illness and Suicide cases continue to rise among Ugandans, experts have advised on what should be done in order to return the situation.

Mr. Derrick Kiiza Mbuga, Executive Director Mental Health Uganda (MHU) addressing journalists in Kampala

On addressing Journalists in Kampala, Mr. Derrick Kiiza Mbuga, Executive Director Mental Health Uganda (MHU) revealed that people with mental health conditions in Uganda face stigma, issolation, and social exclusion.

Related posts

Hon. Haruna Kasolo (seated middle) with other individuals who accompanied him at NRM offices in Kyadondo on Thursday.

Minister Kasolo nominated for NRM Vice Chairperson, Buganda Region

03/07/2025
217
The accused persons in court today.

Vandalism of Electricity Equipments: 17 charged with terrorism

02/07/2025
207

Looming unemployment: Farmers, Residents in shock as NEMA boss orders the demolition of multi million chicken farm

30/06/2025
340
Suspects in court on Monday.

Mpigi District boss, District Service Commission Members Charged over illegalities in Job offers

30/06/2025
167

“Besides all this, Ugandans are grappling with high levels of poverty: alcoholism and drug abuse; lost incomes coupled with high interest rates on loans; insecurity like the recent violent crimes in and around Kampala, and employment inter alia. “

He also pointed out other factors like Youth unemployment which is at 41 Percent and 9.3 million of those have no access to education or training according to the UBOS National Labor Force Survey Report, 2021. That all the above expose the communities to serious mental challenges.

The recent reports indicate that cases of suicide have increased in recent weeks with the most affected age group being 20-45 years, with males being three times more likely to die by suicide than females.

According to school-based study in Wakiso and Gulu by Mental Health Uganda and SOS Children’s Villages in 2023, revealed that 20% of students had ideated suicide as a result of bullying, body shaming, examination pressure, relationships (including with Parents and teachers), among others.

“Mental health problems do not know tribe, color, sex, location or age. All of us can be potential victims. Although increasing access to treatment is important, having open conversations about mental health and problems should be a common place across society.”

Recommendations

Mr. Derrick Kiiza Mbuga, the Executive Director of MHU advised the government to take positive steps towards the decriminalization of suicide (Section 210 of the Penal Code Act) to ease timely access to mental health care.

“Formal institutions like workplaces, institutions of learning, places of worship, etc. need to expeditiously integrate mental health care and services e.g, providing reasonable accommodation to employees that report not being well and establish safe spaces for everyone who is unwell.”

He asked the Ministry of Health to quickly deliver on all tenets of Community Mental Health Care as stipulated in the Mental Health Act 2019, so as to increase utilization and access to care, increase awareness and facilitating the key role of families in the provision of care.

“Formal institutions like workplaces, institutions of learning, places of worship, etc. need to expeditiously integrate mental health care and services e.g. providing reasonable accommodation to employees that report not being well and establish safe spaces for everyone who is unwell.”

In providing solutions to the problems, MHU has decided to extend free and confidential professional counselling services to victims via telephone number 0800 212121 which is always available from Monday to Friday during working hours.

Suicide Cases

Ever since this year started, various media outlets have been reporting an increase in suicide cases with majority of them blamed on Mental illness.

Among these was that of Gloria Uwimana, a Masters Degree student from Uganda Martyrs University who committed suicide in a shop , Kabale district, a week back a 17 year old , Senior five student committed suicide on allegations that her parents were forcing her to offer science subjects which were not her choice.

In a period of less than two weeks , Kampala Metropolitan Police reported to have received more than three cases of people who committed suicide by jumping off from the top of some of highest buildings in areas around Kampala.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share this:

  • Share
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Tags: Derrick Kiiza MbugaFeaturedMental Health Uganda

Related Posts

 Abbas urges U.S. to compel Israel to stop violations against Palestinians
News

 Abbas urges U.S. to compel Israel to stop violations against Palestinians

05/11/2022
0
306

Abbas urges U.S. to compel Israel to stop violations against Palestinians RAMALLAH, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas...

Read moreDetails
Equity ranked 4th strongest banking brand globally on brand strength, scoring 92.4 points out of 100

 Equity Bank Under Scrutiny for Alleged Role in UGX.3bn Fake Gold Scam

09/07/2024
624
Minister of Health Dr. Ruth Aceng and Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwiine pay their respects at the burial of Dr. Joshua Musinguzi, a champion in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Their presence honors his legacy and dedication to improving healthcare in Uganda.

 FULL LIST: Health Service Commission Shortlists Applicants for Key Roles

18/06/2025
1.3k
Kabuleta and other opposition politicians have teamed up to put an end to Museveni's leadership

 Kabuleta, other opposition politicians team up to put an end to Museveni’s leadership

27/02/2024
499
Load More

Popular Articles

  • Check out the top schools with pupils who scored 6 in 4 aggregates in the 2024 PLE results, as released by UNEB

    PLE 2024 Results: Top Schools with 6 in 4 Aggregates

    4375 shares
    Share 1750 Tweet 1094
  • How to Renew Your National ID Online: NIRA Pre-Registration Portal 2025 Guide

    4049 shares
    Share 1620 Tweet 1012
  • NIRA unveils high-tech National ID, mass enrollment set to begin

    2666 shares
    Share 1066 Tweet 667
  • FULL LIST: Ministry of Education, NCDC publish self-study workbooks amid COVID-19 lockdown

    3323 shares
    Share 1348 Tweet 823
  • How to Check PLE Results 2024 on Phone, Online

    1785 shares
    Share 714 Tweet 446
  • PLE 2024 Results: UNEB Clarifies on Release Date

    1651 shares
    Share 660 Tweet 413
  • MPs clear govt to cancel 2020 academic year

    2796 shares
    Share 1150 Tweet 686

Recent Articles

The late Fatumah Nabiwemba (Courtesy photo)

Assistant DPP Nabiwemba to buried on Saturday

11/07/2025
Absa Bank Uganda treated several of its customers to a fun evening filled with band music and food at Sheraton Kampala, during the relaunch of Absa Bank Business Club 

Absa Bank Uganda treats customers to entertainment at the launch of Absa Business Club

11/07/2025
Kampala to get a major infrastructure boost! KCCA and COLAS sign a €250M deal to upgrade over 118 city roads, funded by UK Export Finance. The project includes new walkways, drainage, and street lighting, promising a transformed, sustainable Kampala.

FULL LIST: KCCA, COLAS Ink €250M Deal to Transform Over 118 Kampala Roads

11/07/2025
Pearl Tower One, part of the new Pearl Business Park, stands illuminated in the Kampala night skyline.

Ruparelia Group completes first phase of Kampala business park

11/07/2025
Uganda's President Museveni rallies Wakiso leaders, calling for active engagement to boost wealth, jobs, and service delivery across the district.

Museveni tells Wakiso leaders: Focus on wealth, jobs, services

11/07/2025

dfcu reports 151% profit jump, hikes dividend

11/07/2025
Marvin Bitature, 35, son of Ugandan tycoon Patrick Bitature of Simba Group, has died. Funeral arrangements are underway for the prominent family.

Tycoon Patrick Bitature’s son, Marvin Beine dies 35

11/07/2025

Recent CommentsRecent Comments

  • The Journey of Ibrahim Traoré on How President Ibrahim Traoré’s ambitious vision is driving Burkina Faso’s economic growth push
  • Ugandan Scientists Finalists For European Inventors Prize — Press Uganda on Ugandan scientists finalists for European inventors prize
  • Government Pumps UGX1 Trillion Into UDB To Drive Industrialization, SME Growth — Press Uganda on Government pumps UGX1 Trillion into UDB to drive Industrialization, SME growth
  • PS Ggoobi Tips On Building USD 500b Economy — Press Uganda on PS Ggoobi tips on building USD 500b economy
  • Museveni Meets German Envoy Matthias Schauer After Subversion Claims — Press Uganda on Museveni meets German envoy Matthias Schauer after subversion claims

UG Standard - Latest News

UG Standard, published via www.ugstandard.com isa publication of Sahel Media Solutions Ltd, a professional Digital/New Media company in Uganda info@ugstandard.com

Follow us on social media:

Latest News

  • Assistant DPP Nabiwemba to buried on Saturday
  • Absa Bank Uganda treats customers to entertainment at the launch of Absa Business Club
  • FULL LIST: KCCA, COLAS Ink €250M Deal to Transform Over 118 Kampala Roads
  • Ruparelia Group completes first phase of Kampala business park
  • Museveni tells Wakiso leaders: Focus on wealth, jobs, services
  • dfcu reports 151% profit jump, hikes dividend

OpED

Equipping Youth with Skills for a Sustainable Future: A Mission We Must All Embrace

Fueling the Future: How Pesapal’s Forecourt Management Solution is Transforming Uganda’s Petroleum Sector

HELLEN MASIKA: From Darkness to Solar Light in Kijumba 

Why de-register a Motor Vehicle in Uganda: and Consequences of Non-Compliance

Challenges of taxing law firms in Uganda

© 2024 Ugstandard - Latest News by Digital/New Media company.

Welcome Back!

Sign In with Facebook
OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • DIPLOMACY
    • COURT
    • AFRICA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • INTERVIEW:
    • National
    • Parliament
    • World
    • Regional
  • Business
    • AGRIBUSINESS
    • OIL & GAS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECH
    • INNOVATIONS
    • TELCOM
  • OpED
  • EDUCATION
  • INVESTIGATION
    • NATIONAL ARCHIVE
    • SPECIAL REPORT
    • ANALYSIS
  • FEATURES
    • SOCIETY
    • Community
    • Pictorial
    • PROFILES
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • ENVIRONMENT
  • Tours & Travel
    • Hotel & Hospitality
  • Sports
  • About Us

© 2024 Ugstandard - Latest News by Digital/New Media company.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
%d