Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement in Kamwenge District, Uganda, has witnessed a notable decline in mental health cases, dropping from 59 recorded in 2021 to 32 in 2024.
This positive trend is attributed to intensified interventions by organizations like Transcultural Psychosocial Support Organization (TPO) and their partners, which provide mental health and psychosocial support to refugees.
The settlement, hosting over 99,518 refugees primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan, is a haven for those fleeing political unrest, economic instability, and social crises.
However, the physical and psychological toll of displacement often leads to mental health challenges.
In 2021, alarming statistics revealed 59 mental health cases, prompting urgent action from stakeholders.
“Many refugees grapple with stress from their traumatic experiences, and some even attempt suicide,” shared Dr. Janney Oyugi, a representative of Medical Team International.
Refugees like Munguyiko openly recount their struggles
“I couldn’t bear my father’s abuse, which drove me to consider poisoning myself," he says.
TPO, supported by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), launched awareness campaigns and mental wellness programs to address the crisis.
As Florence Namyalo, a clinical psychiatrist with TPO, explained, “Signs of mental illness often include discomfort, stress, depression, and excessive alcohol use. These must be addressed before they lead to suicide.”
Through empowerment drives, singing sessions, and community-based initiatives, TPO fosters hope among refugees.
"We can sit together and solve the issues that burden us," said Nicole Zawadi.
Goat-rearing projects and group therapy sessions have also been instrumental, as highlighted by Rambeli Semategako and Tumaine Mozeka, a 43-year-old refugee who praised community engagement for resolving disputes.
Mental health issues extend their reach to families and children. Mother Dorotin Ainkamye, whose son attempted suicide, shared, “It broke me, but by God’s grace, my son survived."
Likewise, Guturuse Gafaranga revealed, “Since I quit alcohol, I condemn violence and urge men to care for their families."
Schoolchildren are particularly vulnerable, with some, like Immaculate Ainensaai, a teacher at Rwamwanja Inclusive Primary School, noting that girls face heightened risks due to domestic violence stemming from mental health struggles.
Despite the progress, challenges persist. Refugee influx has stretched resources thin, with 30% of outpatients at Rwamwanja Health Center IV reportedly battling mental health issues.
“Our services are under immense pressure,” acknowledged Samuel Kirungi, Assistant Protection Officer with UNHCR. Timothy Kitaka, Settlement Commandant, emphasized the Office of the Prime Minister’s commitment to preventive measures.
With 32 mental health cases reported in 2024, including seven suicides, TPO and UNHCR continue to intensify interventions.
As Victor Twinamasiko, a clinical psychologist, explained, “Sustaining these programs is essential to mitigate the crisis and ensure a better quality of life for refugees.”
