Scholars push schools to fix mental health crisis

Mental health crisis explodes in Ugandan schools, sparking urgent calls for better counselling backup.

Makerere workshop key warnings

• Scholars demand stronger guidance policies in schools fast.
• Rising suicides and child admissions hit mental health units.
• Drug abuse plus bullying fuel serious student breakdowns.

Prof. Samuel Luboga concerns

• Recent Mengo suicide tied to unmet parental expectations.
• Kids as young as eleven now fill psychiatric wards.
• Corporal punishment and shaming make things way worse.

Teacher struggles highlighted

• Anthony Muwagga Muaggaga notes staff face job loss fears.
• Financial strain and home issues hammer educators, too.
• Low awareness leaves most teachers clueless on handling cases.

Research gaps exposed

• Anne Ampaire points to missing referral skills for staff.
• Weak counselling setups and unclear ethics slow progress.
• Limited ties with pros leave schools without real support.