Kamuli, Uganda: Kamuli District has launched a month-long mental health awareness campaign aimed at addressing the rising burden of mental health challenges within communities across the Busoga North district.
The campaign was launched on Tuesday, May 20, during an event held at Kamuli Municipal Council headquarters that attracted local leaders, health officials, civil society organizations, and community members.
Speaking during the launch, Rita Ruta from Strong Minds Uganda warned that untreated depression remains one of the biggest drivers of mental health complications in communities.
“Depression is a disease, and when left untreated, it can lead to serious mental health issues,” Ruta said.
She emphasized the need for early intervention, counseling, and community support systems to help people battling depression and related mental health conditions.
Otai Julius, a psychiatric officer at Kamuli General Hospital, revealed that the hospital continues to register high numbers of mental health-related cases every month. “We see many cases of mental health issues in our hospitals, and it is a concern that needs urgent attention,” he said.
Otai noted that increasing awareness and encouraging people to seek medical help early would play a key role in reducing severe mental health complications in the district.
Meanwhile, social worker Galinamera David identified alcohol abuse, smoking, domestic violence, and social pressures as some of the leading causes of mental health problems affecting residents.
“These factors contribute significantly to the mental health burden in our community, and we need collective efforts to address them,” Galinamera said.
The month-long campaign will focus on community sensitization, encouraging affected individuals to seek professional support, and fighting stigma associated with mental illness.
Stakeholders at the event also called for increased funding and investment in mental health services, warning that the growing number of cases risks overwhelming existing health facilities if urgent interventions are not implemented.
The launch comes amid increasing concern nationally over rising cases of depression, substance abuse, suicide, and stress-related disorders, particularly among young people and vulnerable households.
According to health experts, stigma and limited access to specialized mental health services continue to prevent many Ugandans from seeking help early.
Local leaders attending the launch pledged to support awareness activities throughout the district and mobilize communities to openly discuss mental health challenges without fear or discrimination.
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