Rose Kisaakye, a resident of Kammengo in Mpigi district, expresses concern over her daughter’s mental health as she has been without medication for seven months.
Several communities in Mpigi share the challenges of accessing mental health treatment, often being referred to Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital in Kampala.
For Kisaakye, a peasant with an unstable income, the financial burden of traveling to Butabika is overwhelming, costing between UGX 50,000 and UGX 200,000 for consultation alone, in addition to transport expenses of about UGX 100,000.
In response to these difficulties, affected families in Mpigi are urging the government to supply sufficient mental health medication to district health facilities.
During a meeting organized by Joy Initiatives Uganda (JOYI) with support from VOICE, families shared their struggles, including resorting to local herbs due to the unavailability of medicines.
The affected families, including elders and women, highlighted their challenges during a gathering at Butooro Health Centre III, emphasizing the need for local solutions.
CBOs assured the communities of lobbying the government to ensure medicines are available in facilities and provided education on mitigating the impact of mental disorders.
Causes of Mental Disorders
Modern life pressures and sustenance habits contribute to the silent suffering of many individuals with various mental illnesses.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) notes that mental disorders manifest through abnormal thoughts, perceptions, emotions, behavior, and relationships.
Uganda Counselling Association and the health ministry estimate that 14 million Ugandans are mentally ill, with social and economic issues, family matters, lack of school fees, and diseases like HIV/AIDS contributing to mental health challenges.
Community Perspectives
Suzani Tulinomubeezi emphasizes the worsening condition of patients when they miss medication, unable to afford the journey to Butabika Hospital.
Norah Tuhirirwe reports a six-month absence of medication in government facilities, with constant referrals to Butabika, making treatment inaccessible.
District Officials’ Response
The National Drug Authority acknowledges a stockout of mental health medicines in the district but mentions recent efforts to address the shortage.
Mpigi Chief Administrative Officer Benon Mukwaya reveals a five-month gap in receiving mental disorder medicines but notes recent supplies following community outcry.
District Health Councillor Betty Kinene reports receiving mental disorder medicines worth shillings 100 million, but the allocated drugs for Butooro Health Centre in Kammengo amount to only shillings five million.
Kinene urges the government to increase mental health medicines, highlighting the growing need in the sub-county, particularly among the youth, especially those abusing drugs and alcohol.
Lukia Nakitende adds that Butooro alone receives over 40 patients monthly, emphasizing the shortage of medicines despite having a doctor handling mental disorder patients.
Mpigi, with about eight health centres, faces a critical need for additional mental health resources.
