Butabika seeks specialised mental health unit for children
“Our children and young people deserve facilities designed around their developmental, clinical and psychosocial needs,” Kinyanda said during the official launch of the sports arena at Butabika Hospital on October 13.
Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi in the middle with Butabika Mental Hospital ED Dr Juliet Nakku and the Watoto Lead, pastor Julius, launching the new sports set by Watoto Church. (Photos by John Musenze)
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Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital has asked the government to establish a dedicated mental health ward and outpatient clinic for children and adolescents, warning that its current facilities are inadequate to meet the specialised needs of young patients.
Prof Eugene Kinyanda, the hospital’s board chairperson, said the hospital was experiencing increasing numbers of children and adults seeking mental health services, yet its outpatient service currently operates from a hall within the postgraduate complex.
“Our children and young people deserve facilities designed around their developmental, clinical and psychosocial needs,” Kinyanda said during the official launch of the sports arena at Butabika Hospital on October 13.
He made the appeal during an event at the hospital where Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi launched the institution’s strategic plan, service delivery standards and clients’ charter.
Kinyanda said inadequate development funding had delayed key infrastructure projects, including the expansion of laboratory facilities, construction of a modern pharmacy and stores, additional ward space and staff housing.
Some of the players of Watoto and Butabika pose for a group photo with the health minister Baryomunsi
The appeal comes as Butabika struggles to accommodate growing demand for mental health services. The hospital has an official bed capacity of 550 but currently handles between 1,100 and 1,300 inpatients, with some patients sleeping on the floor, according to Kinyanda.
The board chairperson also said inadequate funding for staff recruitment was putting pressure on health workers, despite an increase in the hospital’s approved staff establishment from 532 to 833 positions.
Kinyanda urged the government to strengthen mental health services at general and regional referral hospitals so that patients with conditions that can be managed closer to home do not have to travel to Kampala for treatment.
He said expanding services at lower-level facilities would ease pressure on Butabika while improving access to care and follow-up for patients after discharge.
Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi acknowledged the staffing and infrastructure challenges raised by the hospital’s management, saying the Ministry would consider the concerns during the budgeting process.
He said the government also intended to strengthen mental health services at regional referral hospitals and general hospitals to reduce the number of patients referred to Butabika for conditions that could be managed elsewhere.
Kinyanda said strengthening mental health services required sustained government funding, improved rehabilitation and follow-up systems, and greater access to care within communities.
He said the hospital wanted to evolve beyond receiving patients from across the country to become a national centre of excellence that supports training, research and mental health services throughout Uganda.