KAMPALA, Mental health advocates and healthcare professionals are warning that the country’s mental health system is under serious strain due to low funding, leaving many patients without essential care.
At a recent conference in Kampala, experts highlighted that psychiatric facilities and mental health programs continue to face chronic underinvestment, making it difficult to meet the growing needs of patients. “Mental health care has long been neglected in budget allocations, yet the demand for services is rapidly increasing,” said Dr. Patrick Okello, a psychiatrist at Butabika National Referral Hospital.
Current health sector reports show that less than 2% of the national health budget goes toward mental health, resulting in outdated equipment, understaffed departments, and minimal community outreach. Many patients, particularly in remote regions, must travel long distances to access treatment.
Civil society organizations are calling on the government to boost funding, expand training for mental health professionals, and launch nationwide awareness campaigns. They argue that improving mental health is not only a medical priority but also an economic imperative, as untreated mental illnesses reduce productivity and place additional burdens on families.
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“Investing in mental health saves lives and strengthens communities,” said Margaret Namagembe, a mental health advocate. “Ignoring it only drives up costs in the long term.”
Experts also stress the need to integrate mental health services into general healthcare facilities to make them more accessible, urging collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and private providers to develop sustainable solutions.
While there have been some government initiatives in recent years, activists say progress is too slow and are pushing for urgent action to prevent further gaps in mental health care.
