Health 9 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ugandans Navigate Bipolar Disorder Amid Faith, Community, and Limited Care
At a World Bipolar Day gathering in Kampala, Ugandans shared raw experiences of living with bipolar disorder, blending spiritual support, community solidarity, and medical insights while highlighting widespread stigma and access gaps. Speakers emphasized holistic approaches over isolated treatments, reflecting the interplay of belief, culture, and science in mental health. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-ugandans-live-with-bipolar-5417778
Joseph Atukunda openly shared his struggles with bipolar at a World Bipolar Day event in Lugogo’s Kati Kati, describing memory lapses, manic highs, and depressive lows. He thanked God for the condition, crediting it for bringing people together.
Father Paul Kalenzi led a prayer circle, urging attendees to share burdens and find joy in mutual support. The gathering fostered a sense of belonging, where participants felt held by faith and shared experiences.
Bernard Kabale discussed collaborative spaces uniting spiritual leaders, psychiatrists, traditional healers, and peers to exchange knowledge and empower one another.
Nuwa Wamala Nnyanzi reframed ‘mental illness’ as ‘mental well-being,’ using the metaphor of a dotted paper to stress seeing the whole person beyond the diagnosis.
Dr. Melanie Magoba explained bipolar as cycles of depression and mania, treatable but often unmanaged. She noted one in three Ugandans face mental health issues, yet under 10% get care, with many turning to churches, healers, or hospitals amid cultural interpretations and stigma.
Daniel Sentamu highlighted discrimination, exclusion, and rights violations faced by those with the condition, turning personal struggles into systemic concerns.
Despite challenges like poor access and stigma, attendees valued self-awareness, treatment adherence, and community spaces for recognition and presence.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)