The 2025 State of Uganda Population Report has revealed a growing mental health crisis, with nearly one in four Ugandans affected by mental health conditions.
The findings, presented by Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng, show the urgent need to prioritize mental well-being as part of national development.
Launched in partnership with the National Population Council and the United Nations Population Fund, the report paints a sobering picture of a country facing complex and interconnected health challenges.
Dr Aceng acknowledged the youthful structure of Uganda’s population, making up 24.9 percent of the population; about 11.4 million young people
However, the report warns that mental health issues are becoming a silent epidemic, particularly among young people struggling with social and economic stress.
According to Juliet Nakku, Executive Director of Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, the findings show that mental health conditions affect nearly one in four Ugandans.
She noted that anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders are increasingly common, yet access to care remains limited.
An alarming aspect of the report is the strong link between mental health and gender-based violence (GBV).
Statistics indicate that 44 percent of women and 39 percent of men aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence, while 17 percent of women report having experienced sexual violence increasing the mental health burden.
Dr Aceng stressed that addressing mental health cannot be separated from tackling GBV. Survivors often require both medical and psychological support, yet stigma and limited services prevent many from seeking help.
She called for a multi-sectoral approach that strengthens prevention programs, supports survivors, and integrates mental health care into broader health services.
In response, the Ministry of Health is rolling out plans to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare nationwide.
This includes standardized screening protocols, community-based interventions, and increased training for healthcare workers to identify and treat mental health conditions early.
The report serves as a critical guide for policymakers, urging increased investment in mental health, youth services, and violence prevention.
“Investing in our young people and addressing these silent epidemics of mental health and violence is not optional, it’s imperative for the nation’s progress,” Aceng noted.
Experts warn that without urgent action, the combined pressures of a rapidly growing population and unmet mental health needs could hinder Uganda’s development goals.
