The Commander of the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) 3 Infantry Division, Major General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, has urged officers and soldiers to prioritise their mental health, saying psychological wellbeing is essential for operational effectiveness and professional service.
Speaking while opening a psychosocial training session at the 3 Infantry Division headquarters in Moroto, Maj Gen Sserunkuma called on personnel to actively participate in the training, which focused on the prevention and management of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stress management and the promotion of psychological wellbeing.
He said officers and soldiers at every level of command are exposed to situations that can trigger PTSD, making it vital for the force to recognise and address mental health challenges before they affect performance and overall wellbeing.
"Mental and physical health go together. We must be receptive to the facilitators' message and understand PTSD so that we are not caught unaware by its triggers," Maj Gen Sserunkuma said.
He thanked the team of mental health professionals facilitating the training and encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained to support both themselves and their colleagues.
The Deputy Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, Brigadier General Allan Kyangungu, urged personnel to avoid preventable sources of stress that could contribute to psychological disorders.
He advised officers and soldiers to make responsible personal decisions and remain alert to situations that could negatively affect their mental wellbeing.
Clinical psychologist Rachael Namuganza encouraged military personnel to seek help whenever they experience emotional or psychological challenges rather than suffering in silence.
She urged soldiers to communicate with their immediate commanders and colleagues whenever they experience emotional or psychological difficulties, stressing that early intervention is critical in preventing stress from developing into more serious mental health conditions.
The training was attended by the Deputy Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, heads of departments, officers and soldiers of the division, as well as military students undertaking refresher courses in artillery and ideology.
As part of the outreach programme, the psychosocial team also conducted mental health education sessions at Moroto Primary School.
