Butabika National Psychiatric Referral Hospital has raised concerns about the alarming increase in mental health cases, particularly among children and teenagers under the age of 17.
Dr. Juliet Nakku, the hospital’s Executive Director, revealed that the facility is overwhelmed, currently operating at double its capacity due to a surge in admissions since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Originally designed to accommodate 550 patients, Butabika now houses over 10,300 individuals.
Dr. Nakku highlighted the most concerning trend: the growing number of young people seeking treatment for conditions often linked to drug addiction and mental health disorders.
“Children under 18 are increasingly being hospitalized for issues such as anxiety, depression, and excessive alcohol consumption,” Dr. Nakku said during the 5th annual Butabika Christmas Festival.
She added, “Substance abuse remains a significant factor contributing to the mental health crisis among the youth.”
Dr. Nakku urged the government to lead public awareness campaigns to combat the prevalence of substance abuse among adolescents.
Hospital records indicate that drug and alcohol abuse, depression, epilepsy, and HIV are the leading causes of mental illness. Additionally, external factors such as poverty, war, natural disasters, and pandemics contribute significantly to the crisis.
Dr. Nakku called for a multi-pronged approach to address the crisis, including increased funding for mental health services, expanded capacity at the hospital, and broader mental health education. She emphasized that with timely intervention and support, many of these young lives can be transformed.
