Jinja, Uganda: Mental health advocates have urged communities across Busoga and Uganda to collectively confront the root causes of mental health disorders, including domestic violence, gender-based violence, and drug abuse; issues increasingly linked to rising psychological distress among families.
The call was made by Ms Mutesi Deborah Christine Magezi, the Executive Director of Women Initiative in Poverty Eradication Uganda (WIPE Uganda), during the second edition of the Mental Health Dinner held on Tuesday night at Sands Business Center in Jinja City.
The event was organized by Jinja Recovery Center (JRC), a rehabilitation organization dedicated to supporting people affected by mental disorders arising from drug abuse and related conditions.
Ms. Mutesi noted that poor communication within families, extreme emotions, and domestic conflicts are major triggers for mental instability.
“We may not do away with mental disorders entirely, but we can minimize them through improved communication,” she said. “Many fights or misunderstandings stem from misinterpretation of actions, which often escalates into domestic violence and mental stress.”
She added that drug abuse remains a significant contributor to mental health challenges, particularly among the youth, and pledged to partner with Jinja Recovery Center to strengthen community sensitization and support initiatives.
“We shall work with the center to counter domestic and gender-based violence and offer necessary support to address mental health challenges,” Mutesi affirmed.
ASP Micheal Kasadha, the Busoga East Police Spokesperson, echoed her concerns, highlighting that despite existing laws regulating narcotic drugs, addiction and misuse remain widespread.
“There are drugs meant for medical use, but some people abuse them,” Kasadha said. “This misuse leads to addiction and mental instability. We are focusing more on prevention through sensitization than on cure.”
Kasadha emphasized that the police are working closely with recovery centers and community groups to rehabilitate victims of drug abuse and promote awareness about the dangers of substance misuse.
The Director of Jinja Recovery Center, Prince Minjo Peter, said the Mental Health Dinner was organized under the theme “In Every Story, There Is Strength,” to promote open dialogue on mental wellness and break the stigma surrounding mental health discussions.
“Many people in Busoga and beyond silently suffer mental health problems,” Minjo said. “By sharing stories and experiences, we can help one another recover and rebuild strength.”
The event attracted a wide range of attendees, including security officers, political leaders, religious figures, and cultural representatives from different districts across the Busoga subregion; all united in the call for stronger community engagement in promoting mental well-being.
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