The Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, has urged Ugandans to join hands in addressing the country’s growing mental health crisis, warning that stigma and silence are worsening the problem, especially among young people.
Buzeki made the appeal while speaking at the Second Annual Mental Health Workshop held at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) Kampala Campus on Friday. The workshop ran under the theme “The Mental Health Crisis Among Young People: Where is the Gap?”
“Mental health should not be an afterthought in everything we do,” Buzeki said. “People are suffering in silence because they fear stigma and the outcome after they have confided in you. As an Authority, we are paying attention to it because it is a critical public health priority.”
She revealed that between July 2024 and June 2025, Uganda recorded over 90,000 mental health cases, including depression, anxiety disorders, epilepsy, and cases linked to gender-based violence.
“At one point, we are all candidates for mental health challenges, and that is why we must take it seriously,” she added.
Buzeki also expressed concern over rising social media addiction and problematic phone use among young people, which she said is driving loneliness, stress, and drug abuse. “Before you judge someone, take a step back and ask why they are behaving that way. Stigma has pushed many of our friends and relatives into silence. Mental health is not a personal failure—it deserves the same attention as any other physical illness,” she urged.
The workshop brought together students, health professionals from Butabika Hospital, Ministry of Health officials, and KCCA’s public health experts to discuss prevention, treatment, and community support mechanisms.
Dr. Sarah Zalwango, KCCA Deputy Director for Public Health and Environment, commended the initiative and cautioned youth against substance abuse. “Alcohol and drug abuse remain a big problem, especially in the Central region. Studies show that nearly 70% of drug users start while in school or university,” she said.
She added that KCCA-managed health facilities offer free mental health services across all eight divisions, reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to restoring youth well-being.
Dr. Twaha Ahmed Kasule, Director of IUIU Kampala Campus, applauded KCCA for its collaboration and training support. “We are grateful to KCCA for allowing our students to use its facilities for practical training. As a university, we take mental health seriously and have established supportive programs for our students,” Kasule noted.
Participants were encouraged to support peers struggling with mental health challenges and to spread awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
The event concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among learning institutions, public health agencies, and communities to build a supportive environment that prioritizes mental well-being for Uganda’s youth.
