Stuart Raymond Kasule, a 29-year-old suicide prevention trainer and mental health advocate based in Australia, is urging Uganda’s Ministry of Health to prioritize effective suicide intervention and prevention models. Addressing journalists in Kampala, Kasule emphasized the importance of mental health awareness campaigns that address the issue without stigmatizing victims.
Uganda currently ranks 17th globally in terms of suicides, with 18.67 per 100,000 deaths attributed to suicide. Kasule highlighted the need for training health workers to detect mental health and suicide issues and respond appropriately. He urged the Ministry of Health to support safe talks and awareness initiatives in public spaces and schools, providing people with the necessary information to combat stigma.
Citing the World Health Organization’s report on global suicide, Kasule emphasized the alarming statistics, with one person dying by suicide every 40 seconds, making it a leading cause of death, particularly among the youth. He recommended adopting suicide intervention and prevention models from Living Works Australia, endorsed by the World Health Organization, and adapting them to Uganda’s local and cultural context.
Dr. Hafsa Lukwata, head of the mental health division at the Ministry of Health, expressed support for the decriminalization of suicide to ensure victims can access appropriate services without legal repercussions. Kasule’s plea aligns with the broader call for workable mental health models at all levels, from households to national levels, to address the challenges faced by those dealing with mental health issues.
Andrew Kyamagero, a male activist, emphasized the need for comprehensive data to understand the extent of mental health challenges in Uganda. He called for the integration of mental health discussions into community health strategies, ensuring that health workers are equipped to address mental health and suicide issues effectively at all levels of the healthcare system. Kyamagero stressed the importance of scaling mental health initiatives to reach all segments of society.
