Mental health experts have raised concern over what they describe as a growing psychological crisis among young people and university students, fuelled by social media pressure, substance abuse, gambling, and academic stress.
Speaking to The Nile Post, mental health specialist Dr. Gardner Rwakiseta Herbert, Director of Mind Heritage Uganda, said the rapid rise of digital platforms is intensifying identity struggles among young people, contributing to anxiety, depression, and in some cases suicidal behaviour.
He noted that many youths are increasingly caught in what he termed an “identity crisis,” as they attempt to imitate influencers and online lifestyles while gradually losing a sense of their own identity.
“In the process of trying to become like others, young people lose sight of who they are,” Dr. Rwakiseta said, warning that constant comparison on social media is worsening emotional instability.
He added that the pursuit of online validation through likes, comments, and followers is placing growing psychological pressure on users, while negative interactions on digital platforms are eroding self-esteem.
Dr. Rwakiseta also cautioned that rising cases of suicide linked to online pressure and isolation, both locally and globally, reflect the dangers of overreliance on virtual approval and digital relationships.
He further pointed to persistent stigma surrounding mental health in many African societies, noting that mental illness is still widely misunderstood and often associated only with extreme visible behaviour, leaving many silent sufferers unnoticed.
According to him, limited awareness remains a major barrier to addressing the crisis, particularly among young people who are the most active users of social media.
He also highlighted ongoing global concerns about the long-term psychological effects of the COVID-19 period, saying many societies are yet to fully understand its impact on mental health.
Dr. Rwakiseta called for increased investment in mental health services, noting a shortage of professionals such as psychologists and psychiatrists, and urged governments and institutions to expand training and support systems.
He emphasized that interventions should begin at family level and extend to schools, communities, and digital spaces, including influencers who play a major role in shaping youth behaviour online.
Meanwhile, student mental health advocates at Makerere University have echoed similar concerns over rising psychological distress among university students.
Mordecai Eyobu, Chairperson of the Serenity Oasis Mental Health Club at Makerere University, said cases of mental health challenges on campus are increasing but remain largely misunderstood and underreported.
He said substance abuse, particularly drug use and excessive reliance on social media, is negatively affecting students’ academic performance and daily functioning.
Eyobu also raised concern over gambling, noting that some students are misusing tuition fees on betting activities, which often leads to financial distress and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts when academic pressure intensifies.
“When students lose tuition through betting and exams are approaching, they feel trapped,” he said, warning that such situations can quickly escalate into serious mental health crises.
He added that strained relationships, academic pressure, and unmet family expectations are further worsening stress levels among students.
Eyobu called for stronger mental health support systems in universities, including expanded counselling services, awareness campaigns, and early intervention mechanisms.
Both experts urged coordinated action from government, education institutions, families, and digital platforms to address what they describe as a growing but largely silent mental health emergency among Uganda’s youth.