The Government of Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening mental health services by increasing support to the country’s only psychiatric nursing training institution, Butabika School of Psychiatric Nursing.
This announcement was made by the State Minister for Higher Education, Hon Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, during the school’s 7th graduation ceremony held yesterday in Butabika.
During the function, more than 400 Psychiatric Nursing students successfully completed their training, marking a significant milestone in addressing the growing demand for mental health services in Uganda.
While addressing the graduates, Minister Muyingo urged them to embrace their profession with dedication, utilize their skills to serve communities across the country, and extend services to underserved rural areas.
He also pledged increased government support to expand training capacity, improve infrastructure, and grow the number of mental health professionals nationwide.
The ceremony was also attended by Commissioner for Health Education and Training, Dr Safina Musene and Harriet Kwaggala, Principal of the institution.
While speaking at the event, Dr Musene emphasized the urgent need to strengthen mental health services across Uganda, noting that the country still faces a shortage of skilled personnel and encouraged graduates to uphold professionalism and compassion while handling patients.
Ms Kwaggala congratulated the graduates upon completing what she described as a demanding but vital course and highlighted the school’s commitment to producing competent and disciplined mental health practitioners capable of serving in diverse communities.
Some of the graduates also expressed gratitude for the training received at Butabika School of Psychiatric Nursing and noted that the skills acquired would help them not only treat patients but also raise awareness about mental health in their communities, especially in rural areas where stigma remains high.
On arrival at the venue, Dr Muyingo toured the school and planted a commemorative tree, symbolizing government commitment to advancing mental health education and services.
According to the Government of Uganda, the graduation of over 400 mental health nurses from Butabika School of Psychiatric Nursing highlights Uganda’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its mental health system and expand access to essential services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
