Uganda is facing a worsening mental health crisis as a critical shortage of psychiatrists leaves thousands of patients without adequate care. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders are rising rapidly, yet the country’s overstretched health system struggles to meet the growing demand.
Recent data from the Uganda Association of Psychiatrists shows the country has about 70 registered psychiatrists. Makerere University recently graduated 10 new psychiatrists, bringing the total to approximately 80 specialists nationwide. With a population of nearly 46 million people, this means there is roughly one psychiatrist for every 575,000 Ugandans — a figure far below global standards.
At Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, Uganda’s main psychiatric facility, more than 1,000 patients are currently admitted, double the hospital’s intended capacity. Yet, only about 10 psychiatrists are on staff, while experts say at least 30 are needed to provide adequate care. Dr. Juliet Nakku, the hospital’s executive director, describes the situation as “very small for such severely ill admitted patients.”
Psychiatrists are heavily concentrated in urban centers and academic institutions. Makerere University’s Department of Psychiatry employs eight psychiatrists, while Gulu and Mbarara universities have four each. Busitema and Kabale universities have just one psychiatrist each. Only eight regional referral hospitals nationwide have psychiatrists on staff. Meanwhile, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, Police Force, and Prisons Service share only five psychiatrists among them.
Many psychiatrists have retired, moved into research or teaching roles, or left the country for better opportunities abroad. About 20 qualified psychiatrists remain undeployed despite urgent needs. This leaves most regional hospitals without resident psychiatrists, relying instead on psychiatric nurses or general medical staff with limited mental health training. Rural patients are particularly disadvantaged, often facing long waits or costly referrals to private clinics.
The shortage has led to reports of inadequate and sometimes inhumane treatment in some facilities, as overstretched staff struggle to manage complex mental health cases. Experts warn that without urgent government intervention, the crisis will deepen.
Calls are growing for increased government funding for mental health services, improved recruitment and deployment of psychiatrists across regional and district hospitals, and expanded training programs for psychiatric nurses and clinical officers. Civil society organizations and community leaders are also urged to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and support community-based care.
Uganda’s mental health system stands at a critical tipping point. Without immediate, coordinated action, millions of Ugandans suffering in silence may continue to be denied the care they desperately need.
Author: Dr. Hillary Irimaso, President, Uganda Association of Psychiatrists