Butabika National Referal Mental Health Hospital has raised concern over a sharp increase in mental health cases, saying the national facility is overwhelmed and operating beyond capacity.
Speaking about the current situation, the hospital’s Executive Director, Dr. Juliet Nakku, said the number of patients seeking treatment—especially youths—has significantly risen.
“Butabika Hospital is too full due to the rising number of people with mental health conditions. Most of the patients are youths,” Dr. Nakku said.
She noted that the hospital lacks adequate space and beds to accommodate new patients.
“Right now, we do not have enough space. The beds in the facilities are not enough, yet the patients are many,” she added.
Dr. Nakku attributed the surge in cases largely to increased use of alcohol and other substances, describing substance abuse as one of the leading drivers of mental health disorders.
“The use of alcohol and other substances is on the rise and has now become an epidemic,” she said.
She revealed that treatment for alcohol addiction is currently centralized at Butabika, which has further strained the facility.
However, under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), there is a proposal to establish specialized treatment centers in regional referral hospitals across the country. According to Dr. Nakku, the Minister of State for Health has approved the proposal, with efforts underway to secure funding.
Dr. Nakku called on government to expand mental health infrastructure nationwide.
“We ask government to provide more beds for patients and extend Butabika’s capacity across Uganda so that people can access mental health services wherever they are,” she appealed.
She warned that the growing number of young people battling mental health challenges could have serious economic implications for the country.
“If a large number of people in their productive age are struggling with mental health conditions, it is likely to affect the country’s economic growth,” she cautioned.
Mental health remains a major public health concern in Uganda. Experts estimate that about 32% of the population is affected by some form of mental illness.
The burden has worsened in the post-COVID-19 period, fueled by stigma, economic hardships, and limited access to services. Depression and anxiety are among the most common conditions, while severe cases are compounded by under-resourced facilities.
