Africa-Press – Uganda. The Parliamentary Forum on Mental Health has urged the government to reinstate mental health wards in hospitals that were previously allocated to COVID-19 patients.
According to Geoffrey Macho, Chairperson of the forum and Member of Parliament for Busia Municipality, “Mental health wards are needed in hospitals to be used by people who are having mental health challenges.”
Macho expressed concern over the withdrawal of USAID support, which has significantly impacted organizations working on mental health issues.
“We call upon Uganda’s friends in Europe and other parts of the world to continue supporting the government of Uganda in areas that were being supported by USAID,” he said.
The MP also highlighted the growing trend of politicians discussing their mental health struggles, which he believes can be divisive.
“Politically, we have started sensing challenges whereby some political leaders are talking as if they have stress and as if they are depressed to an extent that they are speaking words that are inciting people, which is bringing division,” Macho stated.
Macho emphasized the need for counselors in high schools and universities to address mental health issues among young people.
“We need to make sure that we employ counselors in high schools and universities to address mental health, since currently there are many suicide cases among young children who are committing suicide, in schools, homes, and communities,” he said.
The MP also called for legislation to protect borrowers from microfinance institutions, citing the growing number of suicides linked to debt. “We need to come up with a law that stops microfinance institutions from selling off the properties of people who borrow money and delay paying back, which causes them to commit suicide,” Macho urged.
Rev. Nathan Mugalu, Head of Membership at the Uganda Counselling Association, highlighted the need for mental health services for elderly persons and senior citizens.
“We need to consider providing mental health services to elderly persons and senior citizens who are always left alone in homes by their children when they grow up,” he said.
The Parliamentary Forum on Mental Health’s call to action underscores the growing need for mental health support and services in Uganda.
By addressing funding concerns, increasing access to counseling, and protecting vulnerable populations, the government can work towards reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting overall well-being.
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