In Uganda, the country’s main psychiatric facility, Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, has reported an increase in patient admissions over the past year. Health workers cite economic stress, post-conflict trauma in northern regions, and substance abuse as contributing factors.
Uganda has fewer than 60 psychiatrists serving a population of more than 45 million people, according to health sector estimates. Many districts rely on general nurses with limited psychiatric training to manage complex cases.
The Ministry of Health has pledged to integrate mental health into primary healthcare centres, but implementation remains slow due to budget constraints.
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