Under the guiding theme “Shine a Light: Illuminating Mental Health 2024,” a groundbreaking campaign is set to sweep across Buganda and beyond, spearheaded by none other than the esteemed Nnabagereka of Buganda, Ms. Sylvia Nagginda.
Launching the initiative on Tuesday at Bulange Mengo, Ms. Nagginda unveiled plans for a nationwide crusade aimed at raising mental health awareness and fostering a culture of understanding and support.
“Let us all embrace our shared responsibility to promote mental well-being and create a society where everyone can thrive and live unburdened,” Ms. Nagginda urged, emphasizing the importance of collective action in destigmatizing mental health issues.
With an estimated 15 million Ugandans, constituting 35% of the population, facing mental health challenges, the urgency of the campaign cannot be overstated. Shockingly, Ministry of Health reports reveal that at least one in three Ugandans grapples with some form of mental health issue, underscoring the critical need for intervention.
Central to Nnabagereka’s vision is prioritizing empathy and compassion for those struggling with mental illness, countering the pervasive stigma that often exacerbates their suffering.
Supported by the Nnabagereka Development Foundation, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and other key partners, the campaign aims to mobilize community leaders, educators, organizational heads, and caregivers to create nurturing environments conducive to healing and growth.
Dr. Yonas WoldeMariam, the World Health Organization country representative, acknowledged the multifaceted challenges surrounding mental health and affirmed the campaign’s commitment to addressing these issues head-on.
As Uganda embarks on this transformative journey towards mental health awareness and support, the beacon of hope ignited by Nnabagereka’s initiative promises to illuminate countless lives, fostering a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
