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By Naome Namusoke |KMA updates
9th June 2025
Uganda is facing an escalating mental health crisis, with recent statistics showing a dramatic rise in the number of people affected. According to a new report by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) the number of Ugandans with mental health conditions rose from 1.4 million before the 10years ago national census to 5.5 million in the 2023/2024 financial year.
The report was officially released at the launch of Mental Health Awareness Month by Butabika Hospital, which remains Uganda’s leading mental health institution.
“We are witnessing a national emergency. The increase in mental health cases is alarming, and it reflects the deeper socio-economic challenges facing our population,” said a representative from Butabika during the launch event.
The Ministry of Health attributes the growing burden of mental illness largely to issues affecting the youth. Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health at the Ministry, highlighted financial instability, rising unemployment, and the easy availability of cheap illicit drugs as major contributing factors.
“Young people are particularly vulnerable. Many are unemployed, frustrated, and turning to drugs which are easily accessible on the market,” Dr. Kyabayinze stated.
He further adds that the situation is worsened by poor parenting and the unregulated sale of illegal alcohol, especially in communities where selling such substances is viewed as a way to earn income.
“We have poor parenting structures and uncontrolled sale of local brews and illegal alcohol. Many families see it as the only source of revenue,” he said.
In an effort to close the gap in mental health services, the government through the Ministry of Health in 2023 entered a partnership with COPE Pentecostal and Evangelical Missions, a national umbrella organization that brings together churches across the country. The partnership seeks to extend mental health support to communities that formal government structures struggle to reach.
COPE has launched faith-based mental health suppor
t programs, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups like church ministers and the elderly.
Pastor Michael Kyazze, the overseer of COPE, said many religious leaders themselves are mentally unwell due to the burdens of leading congregations while managing their own economic challenges.
“Most church ministers are mentally unstable. They carry the spiritual and emotional problems of their congregants, yet they also lack financial stability. That’s why we had to step in and partner with the government,” Pastor Kyazze explained.
Counseling for the Neglected Elderly
Since its inception, COPE has been organizing small faith-based groups to offer counseling and social support, especially for the elderly above 50 years, many of whom have been historically neglected by their families and communities.
“We gathered these senior citizens into small groups for prayer and counseling. Many of them were living in silence, with no one to talk to. This program is helping them heal,” Kyazze added.
Recognizing the growing threat of untreated mental illness, the government is now calling for increased sensitization, tighter regulation on alcohol sales, and higher taxation on alcoholic products.
“Mental health care is expensive. Prevention through public awareness, strict laws, and limiting access to alcohol is the way forward,” Dr. Kyabayinze recommended.
With 5.5 million Ugandans now suffering from mental health challenges, the country is at a critical crossroads. Experts warn that unless community-based support, faith-driven outreach, and government policies are strengthened, Uganda risks a full-blown mental health epidemic.