By JOSEPH KIGGUNDU
Gulu- Wakiso, Uganda
In a groundbreaking move aimed at tackling the silent crisis of youth mental health in Uganda, Musawo Justine Kigozi Odwongo, a UK-based psychiatric nurse consultant and president of the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Association-UK, has launched mental health clubs in schools across the Gulu and Wakiso sub-regions.
Backed by her UK-registered charity, Mind, Body and Soul, and working in collaboration with professionals like psychotherapist Paul Waluya, Musawo Justine is spearheading a movement that is shifting mental health from stigma to action—starting in the classroom.
Safe Spaces, Early Intervention
Mental health clubs are already active in key schools including Gulu High School, St. Joseph’s Layibi, Sacred Heart, Gulu Army School, and Bishop Angelo Negri College. These clubs act as safe spaces where trained student mental health first-aiders can offer peer support and signpost critical cases to school nurses and counselors.
“This is not just about awareness—it’s about action,” says Musawo Justine. “These clubs help students feel seen, heard, and supported, and they create a network of first responders within schools.”
Community and Expert Backing
The initiative has drawn support from major mental health advocates in the region, including Dr. Charles Enyou, Chief Nurse Christine Ajok, and Dr. Odongo Freddy of the Gulu Referral Mental Health Unit. Local influencers such as Face of Gulu Queen Melissa Bridget Atim and radio presenter Simon Akakaum also lent their voices to the recent launch event at Gulu University on April 26, 2025.
A Family and Government Call to Action
Musawo Justine emphasizes that families must play a central role in this movement. “Parents should normalize conversations around mental health and move away from stigma-laden beliefs that delay professional help,” she explains. She calls on families to participate in awareness workshops and support school-based mental health initiatives.
She also calls on government leaders to formalize policies supporting mental health education, allocate funding, and partner with health organizations to ensure every student has access to timely psychological support.
Diaspora Engagement: The Time is Now
In a passionate plea to fellow Ugandan health professionals abroad, Musawo Justine encourages the diaspora to get involved. “We have been called upon by the Ministry of Health to return—not permanently, but in knowledge, skills, and impact,” she says. “This is our moment to give back through training, telehealth, and capacity-building.”
The Road Ahead
As pilot programs in Gulu and Wakiso continue to take root, the next phase will involve certified mental health first aid training for teachers and student leaders. The hope is to establish a national model that can be scaled across all districts in Uganda.
“Mental health is not a luxury—it’s a necessity,” Musawo Justine concludes. “With early intervention, community support, and government policy, we can save lives and nurture a stronger, more resilient generation.” Justine added.