A new report from Butabika Mental Hospital has raised a red flag over the growing number of schoolchildren in Uganda grappling with mental health issues. According to the study conducted by Makerere university and the mental hospital, nearly three in every ten children aged 11 to 17 are facing psychological challenges, yet many remain without the necessary support.Dr. Juliet Nakku, the Executive Director of Butabika Hospital, expressed concern over the rise in cases of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among schoolchildren. “The pressure to perform academically, coupled with inadequate rest and social interaction, is taking a toll on their mental health,” she said.
The report reveals that many students are suffering in silence, with issues like insomnia and difficulty socializing becoming common. In some districts, a study by the Uganda Virus Research Institute found that 20% of secondary school students were struggling with sleeplessness, a condition closely linked to depression and stress.
The academic environment is largely to blame, according to experts. Schools, especially boarding schools, are pushing children to the limit with early mornings, late-night study sessions, and little time for rest. Mr. Robert Mutebi, a headteacher and union leader, pointed out that the rush to meet academic targets is adding to students’ mental distress. “We are teaching children to survive, not to thrive,” he said.
Substance abuse is also becoming a growing concern. Drugs like cannabis and alcohol are increasingly available to students, further complicating the situation.
Experts are calling for urgent reforms, including revising school timetables to allow for more rest and incorporating mental health education into the curriculum. Butabika Hospital has also rolled out programs to help schools address the issue, focusing on providing guidance to both students and teachers.
While there is no quick fix, experts agree that addressing mental health in schools is crucial to safeguarding the future of Uganda’s young generation. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
