Uganda is facing a silent crisis. Suicide, often hidden behind stigma and silence, is emerging as one of the country’s most pressing public health concerns. Recent figures reveal a troubling surge, particularly among young people—the very group expected to drive Uganda’s innovation and future growth.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 720,000 people die by suicide every year worldwide, making it the third leading cause of death among people aged 15–29. A shocking 73% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, including Uganda, where mental health services remain underfunded and largely inaccessible.
The picture at home is no less grim. Data from Mental Health Uganda paints a sobering reality: in 2024, the organization’s toll-free counselling line received 1,023 calls linked to suicidal thoughts. Men accounted for 66.4% (679 cases), while 33.6% (344 cases) were women. The highest risk group? Young adults between 18 and 30 years, with nearly 77% of all calls coming from this age bracket.
Uganda Police’s 2024 Annual Crime Report recorded 218 cases of attempted suicide, underscoring the fact that the nation is grappling with both a health and social emergency.
“Suicide is not just a personal tragedy—it is a public health crisis that is robbing Uganda of its young people, its future workforce, and its innovators,” said Mr. Derrick Mbuga Kiiza, Executive Director of Mental Health Uganda.
While statistics provide a chilling perspective, the deeper issue lies in stigma and lack of access to mental health care. Too often, families, schools, and communities avoid open conversations about depression, trauma, or suicidal ideation. Many individuals struggling with mental illness suffer in silence, fearing judgment or exclusion.
Despite being preventable, suicide is still treated as taboo in Uganda. Limited government funding, inadequate numbers of mental health professionals, and cultural misconceptions leave many without the support they desperately need.
Every September, the global community marks Suicide Prevention Month, with September 10th recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day. The day serves as a reminder to raise awareness, share hope, and mobilize resources to save lives.
Mental Health Uganda is urging government agencies, development partners, and communities to treat suicide prevention as an urgent priority. This means increased funding for mental health services, expansion of community support systems, and deliberate efforts to normalize conversations around mental well-being.
“We call on all stakeholders to act with urgency. Suicide is preventable if we come together as a society to provide the care, compassion, and resources that people in distress desperately need,” added Mr. Kiiza.
Addressing suicide requires more than statistics—it requires compassion, awareness, and action. Experts emphasize:
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Break the silence: Encourage open conversations about mental health in families, schools, and workplaces.
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Promote help-seeking: Direct those in need to counseling services and helplines.
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Support youth: Young people face unique pressures, from unemployment to social isolation, and need targeted support.
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Advocate for policy change: Push for government investment in mental health as part of universal health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call Mental Health Uganda’s toll-free helpline [0800 212121], open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, for confidential support.
