Uganda: Baryomunsi Urges Ugandans to Take People With Mental Health Conditions to Hospitals, Not Police
[Nile Post] Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi has urged Ugandans to take people experiencing mental health conditions to hospitals for treatment instead of police stations, calling for greater compassion and understanding towards those affected.
Ugandan Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi has called for people with mental health conditions to seek treatment in hospitals, rather than being taken by the police. Baryomunsi made this appeal during the Mental Health Run 2026, an event organized by the Ministry of Health and its partners to mark World Mental Health Day on October 10.
Despite heavy overnight rain, the event saw participants, led by the minister, raising awareness about mental health conditions and urging individuals to seek professional help. Baryomunsi emphasized that mental health issues should not be treated as criminal matters and advised Ugandans to prioritize physical exercise and a balanced diet for better mental well-being.
Mental health recovery advocate Richard Mukasa shared his 30-year journey with a mental health condition, highlighting the importance of seeking specialist care. Mental health expert Dr Juliet Nakku urged the government to take urgent action to address the widespread mental health challenges in Uganda, stressing the need for increased awareness, early intervention, and access to treatment.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
