By Joseph kiggundu
Gulu-wakiso
A recent initiative led by Dr. Justine Kigozi Odwongo, a nurse consultant and mental health advocate, has shed light on the growing mental health concerns among Ugandan students. The program, which trained 32 students from four schools in Gulu city and Wakiso district in mental health first aid, revealed alarming issues affecting the youth.
According to Dr. Kigozi Odwongo, students reported experiencing toxic home environments, emotional neglect, family instability, parental substance abuse, and heavy domestic workloads. Some students even described being forced into caregiving roles for younger siblings or mentally ill family members.
“The rising cases of suicide among students and youth in Uganda are not accidents, nor are they exaggerations, as some have claimed. They are warning signs—loud and clear—that demand urgent action, not excuses,” Dr. Kigozi Odwongo emphasized.
The initiative also highlighted the plight of children from wealthier families, who despite having material comforts, often suffer from emotional abandonment and are at a higher risk of developing mental illnesses due to underdeveloped coping skills.
“We must stop defending our collective failings and start listening—to our children, to the data, and to the quiet pain expressed through behavior, silence, or even tragedy,” Dr. Kigozi Odwongo urged.
She further stressed that mental health is not a luxury, but a necessity. “Mental health is not a luxury. It is a necessity. And our schools must become safe spaces for healing, learning, and being heard,” Dr. Kigozi Odwongo said.
Dr. Kigozi Odwongo warned that mental illness could become the next global pandemic if neglected. “I will say it again that if we neglect these signs, mental illness will become the next global pandemic,” she cautioned.
The initiative has sparked a crucial conversation about mental health in Uganda, highlighting the need for increased support and resources to address the growing crisis.