Speaker Among Urges Urgent Mental Health Screening Amid Rising Gun Deaths

Speaker Anita Among has encouraged mental health awareness, and test for mental wellness due to alarming statistics revealing a surge in deaths associated with mental disorders.

Speaker Among has emerged as a vocal advocate for prioritizing mental health while opening a two-day mental health camp organized by the Parliamentary Forum on Mental Health at the Parliament Gardens on Monday.

Addressing the Parliament, Among emphasized the need for immediate action by urging the implementation of a comprehensive mental health screening program. With the government's allocation of funds for mental health in the upcoming budget, Among highlights the importance of encouraging all Ugandans to undergo mental health screenings.

“We need to start with ourselves to make sure that when we are legislating for the people, we are mentally stable – that is a priority. Before we talk about checking others, we shall first check ourselves,” Among said.

The Speaker made the remarks in reference to the recent spike in gun violence in the country which has been partly blamed on mental illness of the security personnel involved in the shooting incidents.

Among expressed concerns over the increasing deaths attributed to mental disorders, and said since Parliament has appropriated money for mental health in the next budget, there should be a programme encouraging Ugandans to be screened for mental health.

“Within one month, we have lost lives arising from aspects of depression, poverty, unemployment, stress, drug addiction and alcohol. Because we have all these problems in Uganda, we are going to make sure that people are screened for mental health,” Among said.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO) report, Uganda is ranked among the top six countries in Africa in rates of depressive disorders (4.6%), while 2.9% live with anxiety disorders.

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Reports from the Uganda Counselling Association and the Ministry of Health also indicate that 14 million Ugandans are mentally sick.

The speakers remarks are in reference to the recent spike in gun violence in the country which has claimed over 3 security officers including the State Minister for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations, Col (rtd) Charles Okello Engola.