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Uganda’s Mental Health Crisis - A Rising Development Burden

Ugandan authorities have expressed concern over the rising burden of mental health conditions, warning that the crisis is stifling national productivity and threatening long-term economic growth.

"Nearly one in four Ugandans is affected by a mental health condition. This is no longer just a health issue; it is a development challenge that requires urgent, coordinated action," Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng said during the launch of the 2025 State of Uganda Population Report. She said these challenges increasingly undermine education outcomes, family stability, and overall economic performance.

To address the crisis, the government plans to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare, expand the specialized workforce, upgrade treatment infrastructure, and increase funding for the sector.

WHO

World Mental Health Day is marked on October 10 each year (file photo).

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