Health
Mak School of Public Health, Ministry of Health to Conduct National Mental Health Integration Study
As mental health gains recognition as a critical aspect of overall well-being, a pioneering study is set to delve into its integration in schools, communities and healthcare units across Uganda.
With funding from the World Bank, this landmark study titled; “Assessing the Extent of Integration of Mental Health Services into Primary Healthcare, Community and Schools” will focus on four purposively selected districts in Uganda – Adjumani in the Northern region, Bushenyi in Western Uganda, Kapchorwa in Eastern Uganda, and Butambala in Central Uganda.
With the potential to revolutionize mental health practices in schools, this study will through rigorous research and analysis shed light on the implementation and impact of mental health integration initiatives in schools, uncovering new insights that could shape policies and practices for generations to come.
Latest data from the international Burden of Disease Study indicates that mental illness and substance use disorders account for 3.35% of the total disease burden in Uganda. According to the latest WHO data, at least 7.4% of Ugandans are affected by common mental disorders particularly depression, anxiety and alcohol use disorders.
Comparable to high-income countries, depression and generalized anxiety disorders in Uganda, are prevalent at 5.3% and 4.1% respectively. Uganda ranks among the top five countries globally with the highest depression prevalence. Poverty, HIV infection, disasters, and adverse environmental conditions are factors that increase the risk and consequence of mental health conditions in Uganda.
It is against this background that the World Bank Group solicited for consultancy services for a nation-wide study to assess the extent of integration of mental health services into primary healthcare, schools and communities.
Dr. Juliet Nakku, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and Executive Director of Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, during an inception meeting of mental health stakeholders on April 13, stated that the study will reveal the prevalence and types of mental health issues in these settings and their impact on community well-being.
This study that will be conducted by a team of mental health experts from the Ministry of Health and Makerere University School of Public Health. This study will assess the availability, access, and quality of mental health services in PHC, communities, and schools.
The study’s Principal Investigator Dr. Nakku further emphasized that the research will assess existing services, identify gaps/barriers, and explore opportunities/challenges in integrating mental health into primary healthcare and schools. This will involve examining policies, resources, support systems, and obstacles to integration.
Over the last 20 years, Uganda has taken measures to enhance its healthcare system and promote better health outcomes for its population. In 1996, the government-initiated efforts to integrate mental health into primary healthcare, providing training for general healthcare workers to identify and address common mental health disorders.
Dr. Hafsa Lukwata, Assistant Commissioner for NCDs and Mental Health at the Ministry of Health, emphasizes that there is increased risk of mental health problems among specific sub-populations, including children, the elderly, refugees, and individuals in uniform.
Dr. Lukwata asserts that the government is addressing mental health through policies that highlight its importance as a fundamental component of health at all care levels. These policies promote decentralization, integration of evidence-based services, and partnerships to increase mental health knowledge and service provision.
She further stresses that mental health conditions impact individuals throughout their lifespan, affecting quality of life. This includes early childhood, adolescence, pregnancy, adulthood, as well as specific groups such as men in uniform, workplace populations, and the elderly who are at an increased risk for mental illnesses.
Uganda, according to Dr. Hafsa invested USD 25m in 2009 to improve mental health facilities and provide training for health workers, with support from the African Development Bank.
“We have set up several health facilities and trained numerous health workers with the support of the African Development Bank,” says Dr. Hafsa. “However, there have been no studies to assess the impact of these investments. Routine data from the Ministry of Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) indicates an increase in new patients treated for mental health conditions.”
She adds that improvements have been made to the structure of mental health care at all levels to increase the number and mix of mental health professionals.
Despite progress, as noted in the 2018 report of the Sectoral Committee on Health, Uganda still grapples with a significant mental health treatment gap of 85%, leaving only 15% of those in need with access to care. Primary healthcare facilities often refer individuals to higher-level tertiary care, and mental health stigma persists, with limited awareness among the general population, as highlighted by the World Bank.
To bridge the gap, WHO suggests integrating mental health services into PHC systems in countries like Uganda. However, challenges such as prioritization, poverty, cultural differences, health system issues, medication supply, workforce shortages, and inflexibility pose barriers to this integration.
Dr. Nakku acknowledges that mental health has received policy priority in Uganda, but gaps remain in delivering services at primary care, community, and school levels, leaving some populations underserved.
“Mental health problems are risk factors for various public health concerns, such as road traffic accidents and injuries. The role of alcohol and substance use in these issues is significant. Integrating mental health into primary health care may be a cost-effective solution with desirable treatment outcomes. There have been efforts to integration. We now want to assess the extent of integration into PHC, communities and schools in Uganda,” explained Dr. Nakku.
The study aims to evaluate the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to mental health care/services among a total of 1380 individuals, including 45 students/pupils from each of the 33 schools. The assessment will focus on both teachers, learners’ senior women teachers, school nurses and matrons.
Dr. Fredrick E. Makumbi, an Associate Professor of Biostatistics at MakSPH outlined how the study will use qualitative and quantitative data to comprehensively understand mental health integration in Uganda. He provided specifics on the quantitative component, including the study population, sample size, sampling procedure, and data analysis plans. He stressed that the collected data will yield indicators for developing a composite measure of integration, stratified by primary healthcare, communities, and schools.
“This study is quite interesting because we have primary health care units as a study population. We shall randomly pick study participants from the villages and schools served by the health care units. We also have plans to construct an Integration of Mental Health Services/Care Composite (IMHC) based on scores from the items/indicators of integration at each of the 3 levels. Each indicator present will be scored ‘1’ else ‘0’, and a total score will be obtained as the sum of all individual indicator scores. The proportion of schools/communities/PHC facilities generated will be based on an agreed cut-off,” explained Dr. Fred Makumbi, a Co-Principal Investigator of the MHISU study.
Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, the Dean and study Advisory team member expressed her enthusiasm for hosting a study highlighting that mental health was “an integral part of our lives.” Accordingly, she stressed MakSPH’s commitment to increasing mental health knowledge through research and expressed her delight in partnering with Butabika Hospital, citing their history of effective teamwork. “The School of Public Health will document the learnings from this study and this study is not a one-off.”
Dr. Wilson Winstons Muhwezi, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, provided insights on the qualitative component of the study during the discussion. He emphasized the purpose of describing and providing context for integration, and how the study team aims to explain trends, relationships, consistencies, and inconsistencies through the numerous question items they have put together.
“We think if we are able to go to very many sub-populations that we have marked out for purposes of collecting this qualitative data, we shall be able to provide context and meaning according to the data sources themselves so that we have better appreciation of what is going on,” says Dr. Muhwezi.
Dr. Muhwezi expressed excitement to be part of a study that recognizes the value of qualitative data in increasing the wealth of knowledge. “As far as I am concerned, I am very excited about this study because rarely do we get to do studies where the qualitative approach is given prominence like the quantitative approach. I think we will get good information when we come from the field.”
Dr. Oyoo Charles Akiya, the Commissioner NCDs-Ministry of Health, expressed the Ministry’s keen interest in the upcoming study on Ugandan mental health during an inception meeting chaired on their behalf. He emphasized that understanding the mental health needs of Uganda will lead to better interventions and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being.
According to Dr. Oyoo, Ministry of Health will support the study team and that it was eager to learn more about the study and how they can be of service. He expressed gratitude to the World Bank, MakSPH, and Butabika Hospital for their contribution to improving mental health care in Uganda.
Through a European Union (EU) funded initiative, Makerere University and Mulago Hospital are hosting a German oncology reconstruction specialist Professor Dr. Thiha AUNG. AUNG is a surgeon, trainer at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (THD), and researcher on cancer from the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), Germany.
With his international expertise in oncology and medical management roles at his home institution, his visit is a valuable addition to Uganda’s capacity building efforts in medical advancement.
Prof. Aung who arrived in Uganda in late September 2026 and has since then conducted free identified patient specialised surgeries and training for locals. These are expected to span two weeks. For the period, his service intersects medical expertise and humanitarian efforts.
This is not Prof. Aung’s first time in the country; his first major visit was in 2023, when he performed life-changing free surgeries on early patients. He then made medical history in June 2024 when he arrived to perform Africa’s first-ever lymph node transplant at Mulago Hospital.
It was against this background that the Makerere Public Relations Office engaged him in an exclusive interview to share his philosophy on medical service, his experiences in oncology reconstruction, and his unwavering belief that passion and dedication rather than just resources are the true drivers of sustainable medical progress.
Transforming Lives Through Oncology Reconstruction
At the heart of his mission through the ERASMUS – Oncology/Lymphedema project, is the treatment of lymphedema, a condition often referred to as elephantiasis.
In Europe, such surgeries can cost between 80,000 and 100,000 euros, making them inaccessible to many.
Thankfully, Professor and his team, including some of his post graduate students like Anna Friedrich (B.Sc) and Sophia Waser (B.Sc., PA) from the Institute of Medical Science and Engineering, have once again brought this specialised care to Uganda pro bono.
He highlights the story of a teacher who, after receiving surgery, regained her quality of life and returned to the classroom. For him, the impact is exponential. “You change one life, but this person changes a lot in the community.”
This shift from individual surgery to the long-term wellbeing of the community, reinforces the local impact of these services.
Professor AUNG’s Personal Conviction
The professor confessed that inherently, he commands himself that beyond knowledge, true progress is driven by passion and will rather than resources.
He does not agree with those that think money and resources are the sole prerequisite for change in the medical world, stating, “you cannot change with money only.” Rather, he upholds the importance of personal decision and commitment.
When discussing the challenges of working in resource-limited settings, he maintains a simple, direct explanation “it’s always beyond the money.”
Ultimately, the Professor believes that if he can provide the spark, his students and patients can carry through with the same flame for significant change.
Motivation to Serve in Uganda
When asked about his inspiration for entering the field and now volunteering to work in Uganda, he explained that his primary goal was always to serve others. “That’s why I finished my medical school to help as many people as possible with my skills.”
He views his medical expertise not as a tool for the privileged, but as a universal resource., “People are all the same, their anatomy is the same. So, I can help all these people pretty well,” Prof AUNG remarked.
His approach is motivated by a pay it forward dogma where treating a single patient creates a broader societal benefit. He illustrates this through his work with patients who, after surgery, are able to return to their professions like the teacher earlier mentioned.
Tips for Medical Professionals working in Uganda
As a foundation for professional growth, the Professor advised medical professionals working in Uganda to prioritise genuine interest in their work because he believes it is “the most important…” for “if you are interested, you will go far in the profession.”
He further reinforced the human capacity point, noting, “no matter what kind of equipment you have… it all depends on the people operating them and the patient.”
Professor AUNG concluded by encouraging doctors to overcome resource fears through action, stating, “If you want to create impact or change, you do.”
Dr. AUNG is part of the Lymphoedema Warriors Association (LWAU) in Uganda. He describes it as a grassroots organisation and commends them for “leveling the grond”. He reiterated his commitment to work with the organisation in reviewing patient reports to determine the best course of treatment.
Makerere University’s School of Public Health (MakSPH) showcased research, training and international partnerships supported through European Union funding during the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair 2026 held at Makerere University.
The fair brought together students, researchers, academics, government representatives and development partners to explore opportunities in education, research, innovation and international collaboration, while celebrating 50 years of partnership between Uganda and the European Union.
Through its exhibition, MakSPH highlighted research and capacity building initiatives addressing public health challenges including infectious diseases, non communicable diseases, health systems, climate change and pandemic preparedness.
18 EU funded projects supported at MakSPH
Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, Dean of Students, School of Public Health, said the School has benefited from 18 EU funded projects over the past five years, supporting research and training across several areas of public health.
She said the projects have contributed to the training of PhD researchers and the development of research addressing infectious diseases and prevention, non communicable diseases, health systems, climate change and health.
Prof. Wanyenze also highlighted a new five year programme which started in 2021 that is aiming at strengthening capacity for research on pandemic preparedness and response, including outbreaks such as Ebola.
Another programme being undertaken with the Ministry of Health and Karolinska Institute focuses on improving maternal health while also addressing adolescent pregnancy and the health of mothers and children.
She described partnerships as critical to advancing science and innovation, noting that collaboration allows researchers in Africa and Europe to share knowledge and strengthen the impact of research on communities.
Research partnerships strengthen innovation
Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships at Makerere University, said the exhibition provided an opportunity to showcase EU funded projects across the University.
He noted that the School of Public Health alone has more than 18 such projects, while other colleges also have several EU supported initiatives.
One of the projects showcased was PREPARE TID, a partnership aimed at developing rapid diagnostic technologies for emerging and re emerging infectious diseases.
Prof. Julius Okuni, Associate Professor of Veterinary Pathobiology and Molecular Diagnostics at Makerere University, said the project brings together universities, industries and other organisations from Africa and Europe.
The project is working to develop technologies that can quickly identify pathogens responsible for outbreaks such as Ebola, Rift Valley fever and Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever.
According to Prof. Okuni, Makerere is involved in field and laboratory work to test and refine the technologies before they can be delivered to end users.
Fair provides platform for research visibility
For researchers at MakSPH, the fair also provided an opportunity to increase the visibility of ongoing research and create new connections with researchers, policymakers and potential funders.
Dr. Raymond Tweheyo, Honorary Lecturer and Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, said such exhibitions allow researchers to share their work and identify others working on related challenges.
He cited the CONNECT for Health project, which focuses on transforming non-communicable disease care in Uganda through collaboration with partners across several countries.
Dr. Tweheyo said exhibitions can help researchers connect with policymakers, civil society organisations and other partners who can contribute to translating research into practical solutions.
Assoc. Prof. Angelina Kakooza Mwesigye, Associate Professor and Child Neurologist at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, also emphasised the importance of exposing young people to international research opportunities.
She said the long standing Uganda Europe partnership provides opportunities for the next generation of researchers to learn, build networks and prepare for future research collaborations.
The School of Public Health’s participation highlighted the role of international partnerships in strengthening research capacity, supporting innovation and developing evidence based responses to Uganda’s public health challenges.
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