Psychiatric nursing graduates face jobs barrier amid mental health crisis

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As more than 400 fresh psychiatric nursing graduates set out to enter the job market, there is growing concern over limited employment opportunities in Uganda's mental health sector amid a rising burden of mental illness.

Stakeholders have warned that while the need for mental health services is increasing, the system is not expanding fast enough to absorb newly trained professionals.

Dr David Basangwa, the chairperson of Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital's governing council, said Uganda is producing more mental health professionals, but job opportunities, especially within public health facilities, have not kept pace.

Graduates take an oath for service during the 7th graduation ceremony of Butabika Psychiatric Nursing School on March 27, 2026. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

He said that although mental health cases are increasing, there are only a few established positions for psychiatric professionals across hospitals and lower-level health centres.

According to him, many facilities lack the capacity to employ specialised staff.

Basangwa said lower-level health centres, which are often the first point of contact for patients, remain under-equipped to handle mental health cases due to staffing and structural limitations.

Last Friday, Butabika School of Psychiatric Nursing held its 7th graduation ceremony, where 423 students that had completed their training between 2024 and 2025 graduated with a diploma (149) and certificate (274).

Principal Harriet Kwagala said the fresh cohort are well-prepared for service, having undergone both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. 

Harriet Kwagala, the Principal Butabika Psychiatric Nursing School addressing during the 7th graduation ceremony. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

But they have a reality to face: their transition into the workforce comes at a time when placement opportunities remain limited.

Yet, mental health challenges remain rife, with estimates indicating that one in ten people in Uganda is affected by a mental health disorder. 

Many patients seek help late, often after symptoms have worsened, partly due to stigma and low awareness.

While the graduation of new professionals offers hope, Basangwa warned that without deliberate investment in expanding mental health services, Uganda risks underutilising trained personnel.

He called for the integration of psychiatric services across all levels of healthcare, which would not only improve access for patients but also create more employment opportunities for graduates.

Government support

Higher education state sinister Dr John Chrysestom Muyingo acknowledged the growing demand for mental health services and the need to strengthen human resources in the sector.

Chrysestom Muyingo, the State Minister for Higher Education addressing during the 7th graduation ceremony of Butabika Psychiatric Nursing School on March 27, 2026. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

He said the government has prioritised mental health through policy frameworks that promote integration into primary healthcare and expansion of community-based services.

However, he also emphasised the need for graduates to be proactive, encouraging them to extend their services beyond traditional hospital settings and engage communities directly.

Muyingo further pledged continued government support to the institution, including investments aimed at improving training and expanding opportunities for advanced studies.

Expansion plans

Meanwhile, Butabika School of Psychiatric Nursing is planning to introduce a bachelor’s degree in psychiatric nursing as well as expand short professional courses to enhance career progression for graduates.

Principal Kwagala said the institution has already trained over 20,000 mental health professionals who are serving both locally and internationally, but admitted that challenges such as limited infrastructure, staffing shortages and constrained funding continue to affect its growth.

She spoke of the need for academic progression pathways, warning that without opportunities for further training, graduates risk stagnating in their careers.

Graduates celebrating during the 7th graduation ceremony of Butabika Psychiatric Nursing School on March 27, 2026. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

Despite excelling academically, some of the top-performing graduates acknowledged the challenges ahead. They pointed to the need for greater public awareness and stronger health systems that can absorb skilled professionals. 

Many emphasised that beyond employment, there is also a need to create demand for services through community education and outreach.

As the new cohort prepares to join the workforce, stakeholders said the focus must now shift from training numbers to building a system capable of employing and effectively utilising mental health professionals.

Without that balance, Uganda risks producing skilled graduates who are ready to serve, but with limited spaces to do so.