Uganda gets 100 psychiatrists, but more are needed to tackle mental health challenges
With a total of 100 psychiatrists, there is still roughly one specialist for every 450,000 Ugandans, far below what is needed. Notably, these psychiatrists are also concentrated in Kampala and regional referral hospitals, suggesting a greater need elsewhere.
With a total of 100 psychiatrists, there is still roughly one specialist for every 450,000 Ugandans, far below what is needed. Notably, these psychiatrists are also concentrated in Kampala and regional referral hospitals, suggesting a greater need elsewhere. (Credit: Alfred Ochwo)
KAMPALA - On Wednesday this week, the Uganda Association of Psychiatrists celebrated a historic achievement of having trained 100 psychiatrists.
The celebration was held under the theme "From 100 to enough,” at Four Points by Sheraton in Kampala.
It came ahead of World Mental Health Day, which is marked every October 10.
Dr Christine Musanhu, the officer-in-charge of the WHO Country Office in Uganda, said the milestone of reaching 100 psychiatrists may be important but not is the destination; it is the beginning of the next chapter.
She said 'enough' in the celebration theme means ensuring that every patient who needs mental health care can access quality services supported by trained professionals where they are needed most.
The executive director of Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, Dr Juliet Nakku, said the facility is oversubscribed, with a bed occupancy of over 200%. This calls for more professionals to help Ugandans recover from their mental health challenges. (Credit: Alfred Ochwo)
Dr Emmanuel Kiiza Mwesiga, the president of the Uganda Association of Psychiatrists, described the celebration as a genuine national milestone in health care, entirely achieved through training conducted in Uganda.
He said the event also highlighted the scale of the remaining need.
With a total of 100 psychiatrists, there is still roughly one specialist for every 450,000 Ugandans, far below what is needed. Notably, these psychiatrists are also concentrated in Kampala and regional referral hospitals, suggesting a greater need elsewhere.
Dr Hafsa Lukwata Ssentongo, the assistant commissioner in charge of mental health and control of other substances, said the growing number of psychiatrists gives assurance that the human resource is available. The only limitation is the ability to take them on.
Prof. Catherine Abbo, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, said the work in mental health is immense and hence the need to work as a team.
"We need to support and train more people to join the profession,” she noted
She said, given that more than 50% of the Ugandan population is below 24 years, it is crucial to invest in the mental health of children and young people in order to have a healthier society.
Brig. Gen. Dr. Patrick Ocen, the Deputy Joint Staff Health Services at UPDF, who doubles as a psychiatrist, said that although the association is celebrating 100 psychiatrists, there is need to increase the number to 500 in the next five years.
“We need to go out there and enroll potential people who should be trained as psychiatrists."