The Ukara Mental Health Initiative has launched its annual Mental Health Awareness Run, scheduled for May 31, 2026, in Mbarara City, in a renewed effort to tackle stigma and expand access to psychological support in the region.
The launch took place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the CPP Mbarara Rotary House, where organisers said the initiative seeks to mobilise the community to confront the growing mental health crisis, particularly among young people.
Speaking at the launch, Barbara Amutuhaire, the Chief Executive Officer and Team Leader of Ukara, said the run is designed to shift public attitudes and encourage open conversations about mental wellbeing.
“Mental health is not just about those we see struggling on the streets. It is about all of us. Many people are suffering in silence behind closed doors, afraid to speak out because of the heavy weight of social stigma. This run is our way of saying, You are not alone,” Amutuhaire said.
She said this year’s theme, Turning Awareness into Action, reflects the need to move beyond conversation into practical support systems for affected individuals.
Amutuhaire added that proceeds from the event will support the expansion of mental health services for young people, school-based outreach programmes, and the development of a discreet mobile application to connect users anonymously with professional counsellors.
“The current climate of anxiety and depression, particularly among the youth, requires a community-wide response. By bringing the conversation into the public sphere, literally hitting the pavement, Ukara hopes to normalise seeking help and foster a culture of empathy,” she said.
Organisers have invited residents, corporate partners, and health advocates to participate in the run. Registration fees are set at Shs30,000, with kits available through the Ukara team or via MoMoPay using the merchant code provided at the launch.
The flag-off point will be Children’s Park at Mbarara Rotary House.
As preparations intensify ahead of May 31, organisers say the message is clear: mental wellness is central to a healthy society.
By lacing up their running shoes, participants will be taking both a literal and symbolic step toward a future where mental healthcare is treated as a necessity rather than a privilege or stigma.
