19th February 2026, Kampala, The State of Uganda Population Report 2025 under the theme “Mental Health: A Silent Emergency.” Was officially launched. The report was presented by Jane Ruth Aceng, who underscored the urgent need to prioritize mental health as a driver of national development.
“Mental health is not just a clinical issue; it is a developmental issue affecting human capital, service delivery and socio-economic resilience,” Dr. Aceng stated during the launch.
The report estimates that about 24.2% of adults and 22.9% of children are affected by mental health conditions. Despite the burden, fewer than one in ten people who need care receive appropriate support.
Uganda aims to expand its economy from USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion by 2040. “Achieving this target requires a healthy, skilled and emotionally resilient population,” she emphasized.
With 73.2% of Ugandans below the age of 30, the country holds significant demographic potential. However, the report reveals that 50.9% of young people aged 18–30 are not in employment, education or training, contributing to distress, hopelessness, addiction and untreated depression. “Our demographic dividend will only be realized if we invest in the mental wellbeing of our young people,” Dr. Aceng noted.
To address the crisis, the Ministry of Health plans to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare and community-based systems, expand the mental health workforce, and increase funding. The Ministry also committed to sustained public education campaigns to reduce stigma and to mobilize both domestic and international financing.
At the launch of the State of Uganda Population Report 2025, Amos Lugoloobi Minister of State for Finance (planning) described Uganda’s growing mental health burden as a “silent emergency,” warning that the crisis is being fueled by rising unemployment and underemployment particularly among young people.
“Mental health is becoming a silent emergency in our country,” Lugoloobi said, noting that economic hardship and joblessness are placing immense psychological strain on Ugandans, especially the youth.
He warned that increasing unemployment and underemployment are contributing to a worsening mental health situation. “When young people cannot find meaningful employment, the frustration and uncertainty they face often translate into serious mental health challenges,” he said.
The Minister emphasized that mental health must not be treated as a standalone health issue but as a central pillar of Uganda’s development strategy. “Addressing mental health cannot be separated from our population and development agenda,” Lugoloobi said. “If we are to harness the potential of our youthful population for future growth, mental well-being must be at the center of our planning.”
His remarks underscored the need for integrated policies that combine economic empowerment, job creation, and stronger mental health services to safeguard Uganda’s human capital and long-term development.
The Executive Director of Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, Dr. Juliet Nakku, raised concern over the growing demand for mental health services in Uganda, revealing that the national referral facility is operating beyond its capacity.
“We are witnessing an ever-increasing number of patients seeking mental health services, as highlighted in the report, and the hospital is full beyond the brim,” Dr. Nakku said.. She noted that while the surge in numbers can be viewed positively as a sign of increasing awareness, reduced stigma, and willingness to seek care it also exposes serious gaps within the health system.
“While it is encouraging that more people are coming forward to seek help, it also presents significant challenges for our health system and for the quality of services we are able to provide,” she explained.
Dr. Nakku emphasized the urgent need to expand infrastructure and increase the number of mental health beds to match the demands of the country’s growing population. “The need to expand infrastructure and provide more mental health beds to manage the rising mental health burden cannot be overemphasized,” she said.
She stressed that mental health should not be viewed as the sole responsibility of medical professionals. “Mental health is not just a medical responsibility it is a shared one,” Dr. Nakku stated. She called on key sectors involved in human capital development, including the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, and the Ministry of Local Government, to take coordinated action.
“As the report has already highlighted, there is a need for a formal coordination mechanism that ensures inclusive mental health care for all in need and helps us achieve universal coverage as stipulated in Ministry of Health policy documents,” she added.
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Nakku urged government and stakeholders to prioritize mental health within the national development agenda. “Mental health must be recognized as a national development priority, supported by clear policies, adequate financing, and coordinated implementation across development programs,” she said. “There is need to be deliberate.”
As the report concludes, addressing mental health is no longer optional it is an economic and social imperative for Uganda’s sustainable future.
