The Nnaabagereka (Queen) of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda, encouraged for a nationwide action to combat the escalating crisis of drug and alcohol abuse, particularly among the youth, warning that the trend is driving a surge in mental health disorders across the country.
Speaking during the prestigious Queen’s Ball held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, the Nnaabagereka emphasized the urgency of tackling this growing problem.
The event, hosted by the Nnaabagereka Women’s Fund, was aimed at raising funds for mental health services under the theme “Healing the Mind.”
“Drug and alcohol abuse is destroying lives, especially among the youth,” Nagginda stated. “If we do not act now, we risk losing an entire generation to mental health issues. We must rise up and work together to combat this challenge before it’s too late.”
According to a recent report by Uganda’s Ministry of Health, mental health cases are on the rise, with the youth in schools and institutions of higher learning comprising nearly 30% of those affected. In response, the Nnaabagereka Foundation has launched a series of mental health initiatives, including counseling and rehabilitation programs, aimed at supporting individuals struggling with substance abuse and related mental health challenges.
During her speech, the Nnaabagereka also acknowledged the critical work being done by mental health professionals and institutions such as Butabika Mental Hospital. She pledged that funds raised from the Queen’s Ball would go toward equipping these professionals with tools and resources to enhance their capacity to care for patients.
Buganda Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, who graced the event, echoed the Queen’s concerns and highlighted the importance of psychosocial support in preventing mental health breakdowns. “Emotional wounds that go unhealed often manifest in mental health issues,” Mayiga said, commending the Nnaabagereka for her continued leadership and compassion.
Israel Kazibwe Kitooke, Minister for Information and the Kingdom’s spokesperson, added that economic hardship is a significant factor contributing to mental illness. He cited the Kingdom’s “Emwanyi Terimba” (Coffee Never Lies) initiative as a sustainable strategy for economic empowerment, aimed at helping people lift themselves out of poverty and reduce mental stress.
The Queen’s Ball drew dignitaries from both the central government and the Buganda Kingdom, and was supported by key organizations including Next Media.
It underscored the critical intersection of public health, community empowerment, and legislative action.
The Nnaabagereka’s appeal comes amid ongoing efforts by lawmakers to enact the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2023.
Despite being introduced by Tororo District Woman MP Sarah Opendi, the bill has yet to be passed into law.
The proposed legislation seeks to regulate the sale and consumption of alcohol in Uganda, which advocates say would be a crucial step toward curbing substance abuse.
As the country grapples with the mounting mental health crisis, the Queen's message served as a clarion call to all Ugandans to take personal and collective responsibility in addressing the root causes of addiction and mental illness.
“The future of our nation lies in the hands of our youth,” Nnaabagereka said. “Let us protect them by creating a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment for all.”