KCCA ED BUZEKI CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION ON MENTAL HEALTH

The Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, has called for urgent and collective action to address the growing mental health crisis, particularly among young people.

Speaking at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Second Annual Mental Health Workshop held at the Kampala Campus on Friday, Buzeki said mental health should never be treated as an afterthought in public health discussions.

“Mental health should not be an afterthought in everything we do. People are suffering in silence because they fear stigma and the outcome after they have confided in you,” Buzeki said. “As an Authority, we are paying attention to it because it is a critical public health priority.”

She revealed that between July 2024 and June 2025, Uganda recorded over 90,000 mental health cases, including epilepsy, depression, anxiety disorders, and anxiety linked to gender-based violence.

“At one point, we are all candidates for mental health challenges, and that is why we must take it seriously,” she emphasized.

Buzeki also raised concern over the rising social media addiction and problematic phone use among young people, noting that loneliness, academic pressure, and drug abuse are worsening the crisis.

“Before you judge someone, take a step back and ask why they are behaving that way. Stigma has pushed many of our friends and relatives into silence. Mental health is not a personal failure it deserves the same attention as any other physical illness,” she urged.

The workshop, held under the theme “The Mental Health Crisis Among Young People: Where is the Gap?”, brought together students, mental health experts from Butabika Hospital, officials from the Ministry of Health, and KCCA public health professionals. Discussions focused on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and community support.

Dr. Sarah Zalwango, KCCA Deputy Director for Public Health and Environment, applauded the initiative and urged young people to stay away from drugs and alcohol.

“Alcohol and drug abuse remain a big problem, especially in the Central region. Studies show that nearly 70% of drug users start while in school or university,” Dr. Zalwango said.

“Our KCCA-managed health facilities offer free mental health services across all eight divisions. We are committed to restoring the well-being of our young people.”

Dr. Twaha Ahmed Kasule, Director of IUIU Kampala Campus, commended KCCA for its partnership, noting that the Authority provides vital training opportunities for public health students.

“We are grateful to KCCA for allowing our students to use its facilities for practical training. As a university, we take mental health seriously and have established supportive programs for our students,” Kasule said.

Participants were encouraged to educate themselves on the harmful effects of drug and alcohol abuse and to support peers struggling with mental health challenges.

The event highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between learning institutions, public health agencies, and communities to tackle mental health issues among the youth.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer