The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) has opened a chair for mental health at Kampala International University (KIU).

Speaking on the second day of the week-long celebrations to mark 20 years of the Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC) at KIU on March 5, 2024, ICESCO director general Salim Al Malik announced the opening of a mental health chair at the Kampala-based university, that will not only support but also create awareness about the mental health issue in Uganda.

“Importantly as ICESCO we have decided to establish a scientific chair of mental health at KIU. This chair will cater to all issues of mental health among women, adolescents, children and even men,” Salim said.

John Chrysestom Muyingo (middle) the State Minister for Higher Education greets Antonia Komujuni the new youth peace ambassador as Salim AlMalik the Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization looks on at the 20th Anniversary of the Afro Arab Youth Council during the Mental Health Dialogue at the Kampala International University on 5th March 2024. Photo by Nicholas Oneal

He also revealed that the chair will help support other African countries with the same cause.

“Millions of  adolescents between 10 and 14 years live with mental health challenges. It is profound to support youth and everyone else who is mentally challenged. A sound mind within a sound body is the overall goal. I congratulate the President and the First Lady for making Uganda a pillar of peace,” Salim added.

Mental health stigma

First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Museveni who welcomed this endeavour, called for such a united effort towards ending mental health stigma in society.

In her speech which was delivered by higher education state minister John C. Muyingo during a public dialogue, Mrs. Museveni emphasized the need to end stigma by creating safe environments for mentally challenged people to seek help without being judged.

“Let us remember that mental health is a shared responsibility for all and communities should be rallied along to support those that are facing such challenges. By addressing mental health with compassion and understanding, we pave [the] way for brighter and healthier futures,” she said.

According to her, breaking the stigma around mental health requires truly embracing it. Therefore, Mrs Museveni encouraged people to be advocates for youth facing mental health problems in communities.

Ramata Almamy Mbaye the Director of Social and Human Sciences Sector at Islamic World Educational signs an MOU with Abbas Agaba (Right) the General Secretary of the Afro-Arab Youth Council as Abdul Hadi Lahweej the president Afro-Arab Youth Council, Roland Lumumba, and John Chrysestom Muyingo (behind ) look on at the 20th Anniversary of the Afro-Arab Youth Council during the Mental Health Dialogue at the Kampala International University on 5th March 2024.Photo by Nicholas Oneal

“I call upon families, especially mothers and fathers to adopt proper parenting practices, so that our children can find solace in their family unity and get addicted to TVs and phones, where they copy harmful practices that later affect their mental well-being.  And in schools and communities, we should create safer spaces where young people can cope with peer influence. I continue praying for each one of you,” she said.

With such approaches to fostering the well-being of young people, the First Lady said she is certain that the future of the youth is brighter.

Statistics

As per statistics, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will experience major depression in their lives.

In Uganda, many people suffer from mental health issues compared to other countries with similar incomes.

According to a report in Lancet Psychiatry, about 32.0% of Uganda's population, which is around 14 million out of 43.7 million people, experienced mental illness in 2022. This number is higher than previous estimates, which were at 24.2%.

The increase may be due to the continued stigma around mental health and the effects of COVID-19, which led to mental health units in hospitals being used for COVID-19 patients.

John Chrysestom Muyingo the State Minister for Higher Education speaking at the 20th Anniversary of the Afro Arab Youth Council during the Mental Health Dialogue at the Kampala International University on 5th March 2024.

Mental health services in Uganda are lacking resources, especially in the primary healthcare system. There are only 53 psychiatrists in the entire country, which means there's approximately one psychiatrist for every million people.

Moreover, there are less than one psychiatric nurse per 100,000 individuals. Most mental health workers are found in cities like Kampala, where Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital is situated, leaving rural areas with limited access to mental healthcare despite 83% of the population living there.