At Mestil Hotel in Kampala, from the 20th to the 21st of August 2025, Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, in collaboration with the Uganda Association of Psychiatrists, Austrian Development Cooperation, and other partners, hosted a significant National Dialogue on the Rights of Persons with Mental Illness in Uganda’s Criminal Justice System. The event, held under the theme “Strengthening Collaboration and Partnership for Better Mental Health Services in Uganda’s Criminal Justice System,” brought together key stakeholders from the mental health and justice sectors, civil society, and government institutions.
The dialogue served as a platform to spotlight the often-overlooked plight of individuals with mental illness who find themselves entangled in Uganda’s criminal justice system. Discussions focused on systemic challenges, the promotion of human rights, and the urgent need to strengthen inter-agency cooperation to support mentally ill individuals within legal frameworks.
Hon. Nobert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and Guest of Honor, emphasized the critical need for reforms in how the justice system treats people living with mental illness.“These are not criminals, they are patients in need of care,” he said. “Ministerial orders are not forms of punishment, they are legal directives meant to ensure that people who are mentally ill are taken to hospitals, not prison cells.” He condemned inhumane treatment and called for a shift toward compassion, adding, “We must replace punishment with care and support. It is the government's responsibility to protect and treat not persecute, those with mental illness.” He also called upon the media to play a more active role, stating that the media must expose the challenges faced by mentally ill persons. z must tell the real stories so we can respond. Finally, he urged the public to seek help when needed: “Let no one be ashamed. If you or someone you love is struggling mentally, seek a psychiatrist.”
Dr. Juliet Nakku, Executive Director of Butabika Hospital, welcomed participants with a passionate message on improving mental health services. “Mental health is a human right,” she stated. “It is time we integrated mental health care into our justice systems, starting with police stations and prisons.” She advocated for a strong institutional response, saying, “We must train our staff, build forensic psychiatry capacity, and ensure that inmates and prison officers have access to the care they need.” Dr. Nakku also highlighted international standards, emphasizing, Uganda must align its services with global best practices, and that begins with awareness, advocacy, and action.
Representing the Austrian Development Cooperation, Dr. Katja Kerschbaumer, Head of Office in Uganda, expressed support for Uganda’s mental health reforms and emphasized the role of diversion programs. “The Mental Health Act of 2019 allows for diversion from prison to care, but implementation remains weak,” she said. “We must operationalize these mechanisms, invest in secure mental health facilities, and ensure proper training for justice sector actors.” She highlighted the gaps in the current system, noting, “There is a lack of understanding, stigma remains high, treatment is delayed, and detention conditions are often inappropriate.” She added that police officers, prosecutors, and judges must understand how mental illness affects behavior and decision-making. That’s how we build a justice system rooted in empathy, not punishment.
Dr. Patricia Atim, a lecturer at Makerere University’s School of Law and member of the Public Interest Law Clinic, spoke on the legal gaps that continue to disadvantage mentally ill individuals. “We need district focal officers specifically trained and mandated to implement the Mental Health Act at the local government level,” she said. She also called for specific procedural reforms: “There must be comprehensive criminal procedure guidelines embedded within the Mental Health Act to manage individuals with mental health challenges in the justice system.” Emphasizing the importance of grassroots care, she noted, “Community-based care and diversion mechanisms are not optional, they are essential to protect the rights and dignity of persons with mental illness.”
The dialogue concluded with a shared sense of purpose and a united call for action. All participants acknowledged the need for coordinated efforts, effective policy implementation, and the political will to see reforms through. The event marked not just a discussion, but a national commitment to transform Uganda’s criminal justice system into one that responds to mental illness with compassion, professionalism, and respect for human rights.
