A recent survey on mental health in Kampala City has shown that more men suffer more than their female counterparts. 

Dr Sarah Zalwango, the acting deputy director of medical services at Kampala Capital City Authority, said 53% of men in the city were found to have mental illness compared to their counterparts. 

Executive Director of Butabika National Referral Hospital, Dr Juliet Nakku

Zalwango was speaking during the national mental health conference at Silver Springs Hotel in Kampala Wednesday. 

She represented Dr Dorothy Kisaka, the Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority at the event. 

Rose Abiga

“Mental illness in the city is ranked as the third-highest cause of morbidity in Kampala city among the non-communicable diseases in 2021, according to official city statistics,” Zalwango said. 

Mp Betty Nambooze

On average she said 80, 252 mental health cases were registered at outpatient departments within health facilities in Kampala, which reflects a very high burden of mental health on health systems. 

At the same meeting, Dr Hasfa Lukwata, the Acting Commissioner in charge of mental health and substance abuse at the health ministry, said most taxi drivers and boda boda cyclists were found to use drugs to keep awake, pointing toward a bad situation. 

Quoting recent systematic reviews in Uganda, Dr Juliet Nakku, the Executive Director of Butabika hospital, said the burden of mental health disorders is currently estimated at 1 in 4 persons in the population. 

Among children, mental health problems are estimated at 20%. 

Statistics published by the New Vision from the ministry of health and Uganda Counselling Association also showed that 14 million Ugandans currently suffer from a form of mental health disorder, some of which were escalated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Estimates from the World Health Organisation, however, show that by 2030 mental ill-health will be the biggest cause of disability if not prioritised. 

Elizabeth Akello, the President of the Uganda Counselling Association said the conference running under the theme: “Making Mental Health for all a National Priority” was a product of collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Uganda Counselling Association and National Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Technical Working Group. 

“If we can all come together to join forces, we will transform mental health service delivery in Uganda to solve the challenges we currently face,” Akello said.