Odoki Jimmy
World Mental Health Day was celebrated on Thursday, October 10, 2024 under the theme “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”. However in Uganda the national event to celebrate #WMHD2024 took place on Friday, October 25, 2024 at the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) Grounds. Some Members of Parliament, officials from Ministry of Health, including the Commissioners for Mental and Human Resource, Butabika Hospital Executive Director, Dr. Juliet Nakku, Mental Health Activists and representatives of organizations advocating for mental health awareness and better treatment, Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) representatives to mention a few attended. Ms. Goldy Oboma, the Group CEO at GOLDYS Group holdings Limited and from Federation of Uganda Employers delivered the keynote address. She emphasized the importance of having hope and knowing that mental health matters, and starts with each of us, individually. Leaders at various workplaces should know about vulnerability and learn to speak to their teams. Mental Health and Wellness in workplaces is paramount for employees to be productive. Stress, burn out, depression, anxiety and other forms of mental health challenges can greatly affect productive outcomes if employees facing these challenges are not helped. According to the Lancet Global Health publication, not addressing mental health cost the world economy approximately 2.5 trillion dollars in poor health and reduced productivity in 2010, a cost projected to rise to 6 trillion dollars by 2030.
In the lead-up to World Mental Health Day celebration, HEARTSOUNDS UGANDA Board awarded certificates to ten Ugandan professionals for their excellent work towards mental health awareness in the media, Parliament, advocacy, legal and advancing mental health knowledge and well-being. In appreciation, they were given certificates.
Prof. Seggane Musisi MD FRCP(C) is former Chair of Psychiatry at College of Health Sciences, Makerere University. He is the CEO and Founder of Entebbe Lakeside Hospital located at Abayita Ababiri, Kitinda. He is widely published in the mental health problems of mass trauma, HIV/AIDS, Orphans, African traditional medicine in mental health, psychosomatics and the psychiatry of Old Age. Prof. Musisi’s contribution in de-stigmatizing mental healthcare in Uganda is immense.
Dr. Raymond Odokonyero is immediate past President of Uganda Association of Psychiatrists. He is a Psychiatrist at Mulago Hospital and a lecturer at the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University. Dr. Odokonyero is multi-skilled; an Author, motivational speaker and writer. His opinions on topical issues are regularly published in Uganda’s dailies; Daily Monitor and New Vision newspapers. His book; RETAINER FORMULA ‘Defining your Financial Life’ received massive endorsements from among others, renowned columnist and academic, Dr. Opiyo Oloya who described the book as “part poetry, part pep talk, shrewd and observant of the many excuses we use to avoid saving money.” Stress is a potential trigger of mental health challenges. Financial stress can be minimized or avoided by a culture of saving highly recommended in his book. He has spoken to Rotarians, different Associations, individuals and groups using his expertise as a Life coach and academic to improve people’s lives.
Oscar Bamuhigire is a Clinical Psychologist and columnist with New Vision newspaper. His column; BREAK FREE with OSCAR BAMUHIGIRE suggests solutions or answers to readers who may have addiction challenges and are seeking help through the Vision Group platform. It has been running every Monday for a couple of years. Oscar’s dedication in responding to questions on addiction weekly thereby helping many Ugandans is commendable.
Hon. Geoffrey Macho is Busia Municipality Member of Parliament, and Chair of Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Mental Health (UPFM) in the 11th Parliament of Uganda. The UPFMH which he heads, like other Parliamentary Forums; Parliamentary Forum on Climate Change, Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Media, Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Food Security, Population and Development, etcetera is non-partisan and the membership is voluntary with a mandate to promote mental health advocacy and legislation on issues around mental health. Hon. Macho’s steady leadership of the Forum, with the active participation of his colleagues has made it probably the most vibrant. During the celebration of #WMHD23, Hon. Macho delivered a moving speech which touched the hearts of many people. Mental health awareness is taking center stage in and outside the August House. Hon. Macho and members of the UPFMH deserve appreciation for pushing the mental health agenda.
Atim Laura, Dr. Stella Nyanzi, Hon. Aol Betty Ocan; their contribution towards discussing The Mental Health Bill, now, The Mental Health Act, 2018 during the Health Committee of Parliament discussion is invaluable. Advocate Atim gave legal guidance to the HSU team, Dr. Stella Nyanzi made a great presentation on the Mental Health Bill as well. Her presence and support to the HSU team motivated them and boosted their confidence. Hon. Betty Aol Ocan has been supporting HSU organization for long. We appreciate these and the many things you do to promote mental health and well-being, fighting stigma.
Joseph Atukunda Kahigiriza is the Founder and President of HEARTSOUNDS UGANDA (HSU). He is a pioneer and champion of mental health advocacy in Uganda. HSU, the organization he founded promotes mental health awareness, peer support and combats stigma. Joseph has featured on radio and television talk shows, documentaries including MY MAD WORLD which featured on BBC WORLD. He acted in the film called Bunjako and as Shylock in The Merchant of Venice raising awareness in #TheatreForMentalHealth. Joseph went to the UK on a Commonwealth Fellowship focusing on mental health in East London NHS and performed very well. He has attended a number of international conferences on mental health. “Dr.” Atukunda, is always available to help when one reaches out to him. Appreciation for the selfless service, dedication and mentoring many mental advocates and activists.
Charles Mwanguhya Mpagi, Patrick Kamara, and Stephen Mbidde (KFM HOTSEAT); Over the years, officials from Ministry of Health (Mental Health Department); Dr. Sheila Ndyanabangi, Dr. Hafsa Lukwata, Dr. Kalani Kenneth Okware(Senior Medical Officer & Psychiarist), mental health activists, psychologists and psychiatrists have been hosted on KFM HOTSEAT and VPN to discuss mental health. Ugandans are more enlightened and knowledgeable about mental health because of listening to your educative talk shows. Let the mental health conversation go on…
Patrick Kamara and Stephen Mbidde
Photo credit: Faith Agumya Jemimah
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