By Jumah Kakomo
The Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social development (MGLSD) together with the United Nations International Children education funds (UNICEF) and other development partners have developed an application dubbed as “Chatbot” aimed at supporting youths to solve the problem of mental health by providing advice and information to identify those requiring psychological support.
During the launch of the “APP” on Thursday at Kampala, the State Minister in charge of Youths and Children Affairs under the ministry Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, expressed concern over the status of mental health in Uganda noting that mental health issues are on the rise among young people in Uganda, with a significant proportion experiencing depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
“The state of mental health in Uganda is a ticking time bomb,” Ateenyi said. “We are seeing a growing number of young people struggling with mental health issues, and it is imperative that we take action to address this crisis.”
Ateenyi attributed the rising mental health issues to various factors, including poverty, unemployment, and social media. “Many young people are struggling to cope with the pressures of modern life, and it is our responsibility as a government to ensure that they receive the support they need,” he added.
The minister highlighted the need for increased funding and resources to address mental health issues in Uganda. “We need to invest in mental health services, train more mental health professionals, and raise awareness about mental health issues,” Ateenyi said.
Ateenyi also emphasized the importance of reducing stigma around mental health issues. “We need to create a society where young people feel comfortable seeking help without fear of judgment or discrimination,” he said.
According to Balaam, the introduction of the Chatbot is a significant step forward in promoting mental health awareness and support among young people in Uganda. With the ministry’s backing, the app is poised to make a positive impact on the lives of many young people.
The UNICEF Representative to Uganda, Dr. Munir Mohamed El-Safieldin, has emphasized the significance of a newly launched Chatbot app in addressing mental health issues among young people in Uganda. Dr. Mohamed noted that mental health is a critical concern in Uganda, with a significant proportion of young people experiencing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
“The Chatbot app is a groundbreaking innovation that has the potential to revolutionize the way we address mental health issues in Uganda,” Dr. Mohamed said. “It provides a safe, confidential, and accessible platform for young people to seek help and support.”
He highlighted the app’s features, which include instant messaging, counseling, and referral services, as well as a database of mental health resources and services.
“This app is a game-changer for young people in Uganda who are struggling with mental health issues,” Dr. Mohamed added. “It provides them with a sense of control and agency over their mental health, and connects them with support services and resources that can help them navigate difficult times.”
Dr. Mohamed emphasized that the app is not a replacement for face-to-face therapy or counseling but rather a complement to existing services.
“The Chatbot app is an essential tool in our efforts to address mental health issues in Uganda,” Dr. Mohamed concluded. “We must continue to innovate and leverage technology to support the well-being of our young people.”
Arthur Ainaman from Mt of Olives College Kakiri says the APP is an excellent example of how technology can be leveraged to promote mental health and wellbeing. “The APP has the potential to reach a large number of young people who may not have access to traditional mental health services, “he said.
