Vice President Jessica Alupo has called for a shift in attitudes toward mental health and wellness within the Judiciary, warning that stigma and negative perceptions continue to undermine efforts to build a healthy and effective justice system.
Speaking at the 27th Annual Judges Conference in Kampala, Alupo said wellness must be openly embraced as both a professional and institutional priority, noting that deep-seated societal attitudes often discourage individuals from seeking help even when it is necessary.
Drawing from a personal experience, the Vice President recounted how she once considered living near Butabika National Mental Referral Hospital but was discouraged by friends and associates who feared it would send the “wrong message.”
“They told me people would think I am in hospital,” Alupo said, explaining that such reactions reflect the persistent stigma surrounding mental health. “That alone communicates something to all of us—that even those who may wish to seek help are sometimes deterred by comments from people close to them.”
She noted that the same stigma affects judicial officers, yet wellness remains essential for judges to effectively serve the public. Alupo emphasized that both physical and mental health directly influence performance, judgment, and resilience, particularly in demanding public service roles.
The Vice President welcomed the conference theme on judicial wellness, describing it as timely and necessary, and expressed confidence that the facilitators would offer practical guidance to help judicial officers safeguard their well-being.
“Wellness is very important if we are to deliver to the people we serve,” she said.
Alupo added that her remarks aligned with the broader message she delivered on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni, underscoring that the well-being of judicial officers is central to strengthening justice delivery and maintaining public confidence in the courts.
Her comments added a human and social dimension to the conference discussions, highlighting the importance of normalizing conversations around mental health as part of building a strong, responsive, and effective Judiciary.
