By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: The Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, has emphasized the need for collective action to address the growing mental health crisis, particularly among young people.
Speaking at the Islamic University in Uganda’s second annual mental health workshop, Buzeki noted that mental health should be a priority in public health discussions.
She revealed that Uganda recorded over 90,000 mental health cases between July 2024 and June 2025, including depression, anxiety disorders, and epilepsy.
Buzeki attributed the crisis to social media addiction, loneliness, academic pressure, and drug abuse, urging the public to take mental health seriously and avoid stigmatizing those affected.
The workshop, which brought together students, mental health experts, and officials, focused on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and community support.
Dr. Sarah Zalwango, KCCA Deputy Director for Public Health and Environment, emphasized the importance of staying away from drugs and alcohol, while Dr. Twaha Ahmed Kasule, Director of IUIU Kampala Campus, commended KCCA for its partnership and commitment to providing vital training opportunities for public health students.
The event highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between learning institutions, public health agencies, and communities to tackle mental health issues among youths.
