mental health 14 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
West Nile Students Grapple with Mental Health Crisis Fueled by Financial Stress and Substance Abuse
Students in Uganda's West Nile region are experiencing a significant rise in mental health disorders, primarily driven by the immense pressure of covering tuition fees and the widespread use of drugs and illicit alcohol. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/drugs-failure-to-clear-tuition-trigger-mental-disorders-among-students-in-west-nile-5632608
Students across the West Nile sub-region are facing an escalating mental health crisis, with a combination of financial struggles and substance abuse identified as major contributing factors. The burden of raising tuition fees, coupled with the consumption of marijuana, illicit alcohol, and the impact of political unrest, is taking a severe toll on their well-being.
Prof. Simon Anguma Katrini, Vice Chancellor of Muni University, noted that anxiety and depression are common among both Ugandan students and those from refugee communities. He highlighted that students fleeing conflict often have pre-existing trauma that exacerbates their mental health issues. For local students, the financial pressure, especially around examination periods, leads to significant distress.
“Even our students who are Ugandans are affected by several problems; tuition is one of them,” Prof. Anguma stated. “We always see problems when we are approaching examinations, and many normally seek assistance while depressed, so the socio-economic background, especially for disadvantaged students, is a major cause that should be looked into.”
The situation is concerning, as Uganda’s National Institute of Public Health reports that depression among university students stands at 45%, considerably higher than the global average of 20%. Anxiety levels fluctuate widely, and general psychosocial distress is also prevalent.
Students themselves describe the challenge of balancing academic demands with the need to financially support themselves and their families as overwhelming. This constant pressure leaves their minds unsettled. Students with disabilities also face additional hurdles, including accessibility issues and a lack of adequate support facilities, which can negatively impact their mental health.
To combat this growing problem, students are calling for the establishment of youth-friendly mental health corners in educational institutions where they can confidentially discuss their concerns. Experts also emphasize the need for increased investment in counselling services, stricter controls on illicit substances, and measures to alleviate financial pressures on students.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)