Butabika Mental Psychiatric Hospital has voiced concerns about the rising number of mental health cases, particularly among children and adolescents under 17 years. Dr. Juliet Nakku, the hospital's Executive Director, revealed that their facility is overwhelmed, operating far beyond its intended 550-bed capacity.
“Before COVID-19, admissions were below 900, but the numbers have since soared. Initially, they reached 1,000, and now we’ve recorded over 10,300 admissions,” Dr. Nakku explained.
She highlighted that a significant proportion of the patients are young people grappling with mental health issues linked to drug and alcohol abuse, anxiety, and depression. These factors have increasingly led to hospitalization.
Dr. Nakku appealed to the government to strengthen public campaigns addressing the dangers of substance abuse among youth.
Her remarks came during the 5th Annual Butabika Christmas Festival, an event organized by Soul Foundation Uganda to spread cheer among patients and staff. Geraldine Ssali, Executive Director of Soul Foundation, emphasized the importance of showing compassion and support to patients who often lack visitors during the festive season.
“Many people have misconceptions about mental health and Butabika Hospital itself. Our goal is to break the stigma, while also supporting these patients emotionally,” Ms. Ssali said.
Butabika Hospital records show that substance abuse, particularly drugs and alcohol, remains the leading cause of mental health problems among both youth and adults. Other contributors include depression, epilepsy, HIV, and infections that affect brain function.
Dr. Nakku also pointed to broader risk factors such as head injuries, advanced age, poverty, and traumatic events like wars, natural disasters, and pandemics, all of which exacerbate mental health challenges in vulnerable populations.
The hospital’s increasing admissions underscore the urgent need for improved mental health services and awareness in Uganda.
“It is crucial for society to recognize mental health as a critical aspect of overall well-being and address it with the seriousness it deserves,” Dr. Nakku concluded.
The event reinforced the call for a collective effort to support mental health patients while combating stigma, ensuring that those affected can receive timely and adequate care. The rising number of mental health cases among children and adolescents under 17 poses significant challenges for Uganda. It strains the healthcare system, disrupts education, and undermines the potential of the youth, who are vital to the country's future. Additionally, untreated mental health issues increase societal stigma, substance abuse, and unemployment. Without urgent intervention, the trend risks hampering national development and creating a generation burdened with unaddressed psychological struggles.
