Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital has reported a 70% increase in mental illness cases in Uganda, raising concern among health experts and policymakers about the growing pressure on the country’s mental health system.
The hospital’s Executive Director, Juliet Nakku, revealed that 22.9% of the cases currently handled at the facility involve young people, highlighting a worrying trend among Uganda’s youth.
Dr. Nakku made the remarks while appearing before Members of Parliament on the Public Accounts Committee, where she attributed the surge in cases to a combination of social and economic pressures facing young people.
According to her, early academic pressure in schools, intense competition in education, and the stress associated with searching for employment after graduation are among the key drivers of the rising mental health challenges.
“Young people today are facing a lot of pressure, starting from school and continuing into the job market where opportunities are limited,” Dr. Nakku explained.
The hospital also revealed that around 30% of youth admissions are linked to alcohol and drug abuse, which has further worsened mental health conditions among many young patients.
Health experts say substance abuse often interacts with stress, unemployment, and social pressures, creating a cycle that increases the risk of mental illness among youth.
In response to the growing concern, mental health professionals are calling for stronger early screening programmes in schools, increased public awareness about mental health, and the expansion of treatment and counseling services across the country.
Experts believe that early intervention, especially within schools and communities, could help identify mental health problems sooner and prevent many young people from developing severe conditions later in life.
The revelations have renewed calls for greater investment in Uganda’s mental health services to meet the rising demand for care.
