30th October 2025, Kampala, The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital and other partners, commemorated World Mental Health Day under the theme “Access to Mental Health Services: Improving Mental Well-being in Emergencies and Catastrophes.”

The national event, organized by the Mental Health Division of the Ministry of Health together with various stakeholders, was held at the Kiteezi Church of Uganda Playgrounds. The occasion aimed to raise awareness about mental health, promote overall well-being, and emphasize the importance of accessible mental health care within communities.

Dr. Driwale Alfred, Commissioner for Institutional Capacity Building and Human Resource Development at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health in Uganda’s development and emergency response systems.

“Investing in mental health is investing in recovery. It strengthens families, rebuilds communities, and revitalizes economies,” Dr. Driwale said. “When people are mentally healthy, they are better able to rebuild their lives and support others.”

He stressed that integrating mental health and psychosocial support into emergency response is not optional but essential.

“With support from our partners, the Ministry of Health has made deliberate efforts to integrate mental health care into Uganda’s emergency preparedness and response systems,” he added. “We have established a framework to deliver mental health and psychosocial support within the national public health incident management system.”

Dr. Driwale Alfred, Commissioner for Institutional Capacity Building and Human Resource Development at the Ministry of Health giving his remarks during the commemoration of world mental health day.

The Deputy Executive Director Butabika National Mental Referral Hospital, Dr. Byamah B Mutamba, reaffirmed the hospital’s dedication to strengthening mental health services and partnerships across Uganda.

Speaking at the commemoration Day, Dr. Mutamba emphasized Butabika’s central role in the country’s mental health system.

“I believe all of you know Butabika National Mental Referral Hospital,” he said. “We are the heart of Uganda’s mental health system, and we provide a whole range of specialist services.”

He highlighted that Butabika operates under the Ministry of Health and works closely with a wide network of stakeholders to expand access to quality mental health care.

“We work with all our partners here,” Dr. Mutamba explained. “Together, we aim to be a centre of excellence, providing specialist services, training, and research.”

Dr Mutamba also added that Butabika team was on-site offering free mental health services to the public and encouraged attendees to take advantage of the opportunity:

“Our team is here providing mental health services,” he noted. “If you need the service, please go over there and receive it.”

He also recognized the contribution of the Butabika School of Psychiatric Nurses and other training partners who continue to build capacity in mental health care and research.

Reflecting on the day’s theme, Dr. Mutamba urged Ugandans to remain mindful of the mental and emotional toll of emergencies and disasters.

“While we cooperate in responding to mass emergencies, we must remember that many people silently suffer mental health crises,” he said. “Let us make mental health a national priority.”

The Deputy Executive Director of Butabika National Mental Referral Hospital, Dr. Byamah B Mutamba speaking.

Survivors of the Kiteezi landfill collapse, where many people lost their lives, also shared their experiences and how the tragedy affected their mental health. Their stories highlighted the deep emotional impact of disasters and the urgent need for mental health support for affected communities.

Some of Kiteezi survivors sharing their stories during the world mental health day.

The event concluded with the Ministry of Health reaffirming its unwavering commitment to strengthening the integration of mental health and psychosocial support into all emergency and catastrophe response efforts across the country.