Uganda Mental Health Act Launched

The Uganda Mental Health Act 2019 was officially launched on the World Mental Health Day, 13th October 2021 at Golden Tulip Hotel, Kampala. It was launched by the Minister of Health Dr. Ruth Acheng who was represented by the Director, Mental Health Division Dr. Olara Charles. The egislation will provide guidance towards provision of mental health services to Ugandans, including refugees across the country.

It is in line with the latest international human rights standards and it highlights key values of protection and promotion, einstitutionalization and integration of mental health care within community care. The new law also provides for mental healthtreatment at public health centers, provides for emergency, involuntary, voluntary and assisted admission, provides for protection and rights of patients and ensures safety of people with MH illnesses and those who come in contact with them. It further offers stablishment of the Mental Health Advisory Board. Today, Uganda has a statute that forbids inhuman acts gainst Persons with mental illness and sets forth a governmental mechanism to aid mental health services delivery in Uganda.