Butabika Hospital Faces Shs102 Billion Funding Shortfall Amid Surging Mental Health Crisis

Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital is struggling with a massive Shs102 billion funding gap to meet its operational priorities, Executive Director Dr. Juliet Nakku told the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) on March 16, 2026.

The hospital needs Shs24 billion for wages to boost staffing but received only Shs9.6 billion. It requested Shs60 billion for non-wage expenses and Shs40 billion for capital development, yet got Shs10 billion and Shs2.2 billion respectively.

Dr. Nakku highlighted severe staffing shortages: 14 psychiatric specialists handle 1,000 patients, far exceeding the ideal one-doctor-to-30-patients ratio. The nurse-to-patient ratio stands at 1:60, straining mental health care.

Staff positions have grown from 533 to 833 over two years, but funding is needed to fill them. Lawmakers raised alarms over soaring mental illness, with depression at 4.6%, child cases at 22.9%, and rising suicides.

Committee Chair Hon. Gorreth Namugga questioned integration of mental health into primary care. Hon. Asuman Basalirwa inquired about transitioning trainees to regional hospitals, while Hon. Susan Amero called for more public awareness campaigns.

Dr. Nakku pointed to unemployment, family breakdowns, academic stress, and substance abuse—linked to 30% of patients—as key drivers. She noted efforts to deploy psychologists and counselors locally and ongoing awareness via social media, radio, and a call center.

The hospital seeks parliamentary support to enhance wages at other facilities for early intervention.

Source: Parliament of Uganda