news 22 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Uganda Outpaces Kenya and Tanzania in New Regional Suicide Report

A recent regional report reveals Uganda's suicide death rate exceeds the global average and neighboring East African countries, renewing calls to decriminalize attempted suicide. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/suicide-crisis-uganda-above-kenya-tanzania-new-report-5642608

A concerning new regional health report has placed Uganda ahead of both Kenya and Tanzania in its suicide death rate, prompting mental health advocates to intensify calls for immediate legal and systemic reforms.

The findings were unveiled during the First African Regional Summit on Suicide Prevention, held in Kampala. According to the data, Uganda’s suicide death rate stands at 11.6 per 100,000 individuals. This figure not only outpaces neighboring East African nations like Tanzania at 9.1, Kenya at 8.9, and Ethiopia at 10.7 per 100,000, but it also surpasses the global average of 8.9 per 100,000 people.

In response to these stark statistics, mental health professionals and advocates are urging authorities to decriminalize attempted suicide. Experts argue that treating suicide attempts as a criminal offense creates a barrier to individuals seeking vital medical help and psychological support, thereby worsening the underlying crisis.

Stakeholders at the Kampala summit emphasized that proactive intervention, increased funding for mental healthcare, and compassionate community support are critical steps needed to address the escalating mental health challenges across the country.