🧠 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.

On 20th May 2025, Perfect Therapy Center and New Formed Generation conducted a courtesy visit to Dr. Hasfa Lukwata, the Assistant Commissioner for Mental Health and Control of Substance Abuse at the Ministry of Health. The visit was a strategic step towards strengthening collaboration on mental health interventions, particularly among vulnerable populations — including children, youth, and caregivers. 🌍 Empowering Communities Through Mental Wellness During the meeting, both organizations shared updates on their initiatives, emphasizing: 🛠️ Early intervention strategies 🏘️ Community-based mental health support 📘 Resources for families and caregivers “Healing begins at the grassroots,” said a representative from Perfect Therapy Center.“We are focused on equipping communities and caregivers with the knowledge and tools to support mental well-being.” 🏛️ Ministry Applauds Grassroots Commitment Dr. Hasfa Lukwata acknowledged and commended the organizations for their dedication and aligned mission: “Your efforts reflect our national vision — a Uganda where mental health is prioritized with the same urgency and compassion as physical health,” she said.“Collaborative partnerships like this are essential for scaling access to quality mental health services across the country.” 🚀 Toward a Mentally Healthy Uganda The dialogue ended with a renewed commitment to: 📈 Expand advocacy and outreach efforts 🧭 Build inclusive, sustainable support systems 🤝 Collaborate on national and local mental health programming “Mental health is everyone’s responsibility,” emphasized a delegate from New Formed Generation.“Together, we can develop systems that truly serve and uplift our people.” 💡 Final Note This visit marked a meaningful step forward in the pursuit of a mentally healthy, inclusive Uganda. Through shared purpose and practical collaboration, Perfect Therapy Center, New Formed Generation, and the Ministry of Health are working to ensure that no one is left behind in mental health care.

🌿 Prioritizing Your Mental Health: A Journey Toward Healing In today’s fast-paced world, where stress, anxiety, and overwhelming pressures are part of daily life, one truth remains clear: your mental health matters.Taking care of your mind is just as important as caring for your body — yet too often, we neglect it until we are running on empty. 🧠 Why Mental Health Deserves Our Attention Mental health is not just about feeling good; it’s about functioning well in our everyday lives. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It shapes how we handle stress, how we relate to others, and how we make decisions — large and small. Mental health influences how we approach work, family, friendships, and even our own personal goals. When we neglect our mental wellbeing, the consequences can be profound. Ignoring mental health can lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and a sense of helplessness. Relationships can suffer as a result of unaddressed anxiety or depression, and simple day-to-day activities can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: when we prioritize our mental health, we don’t just survive — we thrive. Nurturing our mental health allows us to build resilience in the face of challenges, providing us with the strength to persevere. It brings clarity to our thinking, enabling us to make thoughtful, informed choices. Most importantly, it cultivates joy — not just in fleeting moments, but as a lasting sense of peace and fulfillment. By taking proactive steps to care for our mental health — whether through therapy, mindfulness, self-care, or connection with others — we empower ourselves to lead lives that are not just functional, but fulfilling. Remember, mental health is the foundation upon which everything else is built. When we invest in our mental wellbeing, we unlock the potential for better relationships, greater success, and a deeper sense of happiness. 💬 The Power of Talking We all carry invisible burdens — past hurts, daily stressors, unspoken fears. Talking about them helps lighten the load. Counseling and therapy are not signs of weakness; they’re courageous steps toward healing. Whether it’s sharing with a trusted friend or seeking professional guidance, you are worthy of support.   🌻 Self-Care: More Than a Trend Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and scented candles. It’s about setting boundaries, resting without guilt, saying no when needed, and treating yourself with compassion. True self-care is giving your mind, body, and soul what they genuinely need to thrive. It means listening to your inner voice when it whispers that you’re overwhelmed. It’s choosing to pause before you burn out. It’s nourishing your body with good food, allowing yourself time to move and breathe, and creating space for stillness when life feels chaotic. Self-care is also prioritizing mental rest — unplugging from screens, silencing the noise of comparison, and reminding yourself that productivity does not define your worth. It’s reaching out for help when you need it, surrounding yourself with people who uplift you, and letting go of relationships or situations that drain your energy. Most importantly, self-care is about embracing imperfection — recognizing that you are enough, just as you are, without constantly striving to “fix” yourself. It’s not selfish; it’s survival. And when practiced intentionally, self-care becomes one of the most radical acts of self-respect and healing. You don’t have to carry it alone — we’re here to listen 🤝 You Are Not Alone Remember this: no matter what you’re facing, you are not alone. Even in your darkest moments — when the weight feels unbearable, when the silence feels deafening, when you think no one could possibly understand — there is help, there is hope, and there is healing waiting for you. You were never meant to carry everything by yourself. Reach out — to a counselor, a trusted friend, a family member, or a support group that will stand beside you without judgment. Sometimes the hardest part is asking for help, but that small act of bravery can open the door to relief, guidance, and recovery. Your future self will thank you. The version of you that wakes up with a lighter heart, that learns to smile again, that rebuilds strength day by day — they are waiting on the other side of that first courageous step. Please don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. You are worth help today. You are worth healing today. You are worth love today. Together, we are stronger than silence. When we choose to speak up, to share our struggles, to listen without judgment — we break the chains of isolation that mental health challenges often bring. Silence may feel safer, but it can also be heavy and lonely. By opening up, we create space for connection, understanding, and healing. We remind each other that vulnerability is not weakness — it’s the foundation of true strength. Every time we say, “I’m struggling,” or “I’m here for you,” we chip away at the stigma that keeps so many people suffering in the dark. In community, we find resilience. In shared stories, we find courage. In collective compassion, we find the power to heal. No one heals alone. No one should have to. Together, we rise, we heal, and we reclaim hope — because together, we are truly stronger than silence. 🌟 Final Words: Choose Healing Today Your mental health journey is uniquely yours — but you don’t have to walk it alone. Every person’s path to healing looks different. Some days it’s about seeking help; other days it’s about simply making it through. And both are acts of courage. Start with one small step today: reach out to someone you trust, take time to rest without guilt, reflect on what you need, or simply speak to yourself with kindness instead of criticism. Small steps lead to big shifts over time. No matter where you are on this journey — whether you’re just beginning to acknowledge the weight you’re carrying, or you’ve been walking the road of healing for a while — remember this truth: