🧠 Mental Health in Focus: A Turning Point at Uganda’s Parliament

During Mental Health Awareness Week, the Parliament of Uganda took a transformative step by hosting a landmark session focused on addressing the country’s growing mental health crisis. This pivotal event united mental health champions, government leaders, and youth advocates to confront the pressing challenges facing millions of Ugandans.

🌍 A Gathering of Voices for Change

The session brought together key figures including:

• Hon. Geofrey Macho, MP for Busia County, Dr. Hafswa Lukwaata, Assistant Commissioner for Mental Health and Control of Substance Abuse and Director of Butabika National Referral Hospital, Youth advocates  Irene, Harunah (Perfect Therapy Center), and Amon Mugume ED New Formed Generation

Together, they sparked a conversation rooted in urgency, compassion, and a collective commitment to lasting mental health reform.

📢 Hon. Geofrey Macho: “Mental Health Is the Foundation of National Well-being”

In his opening remarks, Hon. Geoffrey Macho declared:

“Mental health is not a side issue — it is the foundation of our nation’s well-being and productivity.”

Calling for urgent policy reforms and increased investment, Hon. Macho emphasized the need to elevate mental health as a top national priority — not just in words, but in action.

🧠 Dr. Hafswa Lukwaata: “We Are Losing Young Lives to Silence and Stigma”

Dr. Hafswa Lukwaata, Assistant Commissioner for Mental Health and Control of Substance Abuse, delivered a sobering message:

“We are losing too many young lives to silence, stigma, and lack of access. Mental health must be prioritized, not ignored.”

She emphasized the urgent need to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare systems and called for stronger community-based outreach programs, particularly in underserved and rural areas.

🏥 Butabika Hospital: A Call for Decentralization

The Director of Butabika National Referral Hospital stressed the urgent need to bring services closer to communities:

Mental health services cannot remain locked in urban centers. these services should be extended to as lower as local councils. This vision of  decentralized and accessible care services is key to ensuring that no Ugandan is left behind.

👥 Youth Voices Leading the Way

Bringing passion and perspective, Mental Health advocates from Perfect Therapy Center — Irene Ddamulila, Harunah Kanaabi, and Amon Mugume ED New Formed Generation— made a powerful case for youth-driven mental health solutions.

“We are not just voices to be heard — we are leaders ready to act,” said Irene.
“The youth need safe spaces, peer support, and mental health education in every school,” added Harunah.

Their advocacy underscored the importance of involving young people as change agents, not just beneficiaries of mental health services/ policies  .

🤝 A Unified Call to Action

The session concluded with a collective commitment to transformation, built on three pillars:

• Increased National investment in Mental Health Services

• Community-Based Support Systems

• A National Mental Health Awareness Campaign to end Stigma and Promote Openness

This was more than a meeting — it was a moment of resolve. A turning point where leaders, youth, and professionals stood together to say: “there is no Health without Mental Health” so therefore: “Mental Health matters — and we are ready to act.”

🌟 Together for Mental Health

This historic session with Uganda’s Legislators marked a significant continuation of a stronger, more inclusive and participation — one where Mental Wellness is recognized as a human right, not a luxury.

This momentum should continue with us listening, supporting, advocating, and building systems that protects the availability, accessibility and provision of Mental Health Service to every Ugandan — from cities to villages, from schools to workplaces.