Health 12 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Butabika Hospital's Digital Centre Empowers Mental Health Patients with Tech Skills
A new digital community centre at Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital provides free computer training to patients, staff, and locals, aiding recovery and societal reintegration amid rising mental health cases. Launched with partner support, it has trained over 466 people since 2024. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/digital-hub-offers-lifeline-to-butabika-hospital-patients-5389482
Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital in Kampala has launched a vibrant digital community centre to boost rehabilitation for mental health patients. The facility offers free training in basic computer use, Microsoft Office tools like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, plus internet skills such as email and social media.
Overcrowded with 1,200 patients—more than double its 550-bed capacity—the hospital serves mostly young people facing mental illness. This centre integrates digital literacy into its occupational therapy programs, which also teach tailoring, carpentry, and baking to promote independence and reduce stigma.
Beneficiary Denis Mubiru, a recovering patient and peer support worker, praises the programme. ‘It feels like home here. I’ve gained skills for research and making money, overcoming community stigma,’ he shared. Trainer Deborah Mbabazi reports training at least 466 people, mainly youth, since 2024.
Hospital director Dr. Juliet Nakku highlights its role in equipping patients for productivity. Funded by American Tower Corporation (ATC Uganda) and Rotary Club of Butabika Royals, the centre supports broader rehab efforts. The hospital is also developing AI models for nationwide mental health access via its call centre at 0800211306.
Health Ministry spokesperson Emmanuel Ainebyoona urges enhanced digital tools like chatbots to reach more people. ATC Uganda CEO Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda notes the rising mental health burden, with outpatient visits up 25% from 2020-21 to 2023-24, and 30% of Butabika cases linked to substance abuse.
This initiative aligns with WHO recommendations for digital tools in mental health to improve access, reduce stigma, and foster reintegration.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)