What you need to know:
- University students in Masaka City received guidance on managing their mental health during an empowerment program hosted by Equator University of Science and Technology (EQUSaT) on June 14, 2024.
- Statistics from the Uganda Refugee Suicide Dashboard underscored the severity of the issue, with significant numbers of attempted suicides and deaths reported among both refugees and Ugandans in early 2024.
University students in Masaka City received guidance on managing their mental health during an empowerment program hosted by Equator University of Science and Technology (EQUSaT) on June 14, 2024. The event emphasized the critical link between mental well-being and academic success, highlighted by Prof Mouhamad Mpezamihigo, EQUSaT’s Vice Chancellor. He pointed to rising suicide rates among students, attributing them to mounting stress fueled by issues such as excessive social media use and financial difficulties.
Dr. Betijuma Luwedde, a mental health expert, urged students to seek support when facing challenges like financial strain and relationship issues, emphasizing the importance of open communication with peers and authorities.
The event, part of an annual Youth Empowerment Programme, addressed mental health alongside topics like financial literacy and leadership development. Prof Mpezamihigo underscored the program’s role in equipping students with financial skills to enhance self-sufficiency and mitigate risky behaviors.
David Sserukenya, MP for Makindye-Ssabagabo and an EQUSaT student, commended the program’s focus on nurturing ethical leadership, aiming to combat corruption and promote good governance among future leaders.
Hassan Kibirige, CEO of Helping Hand, stressed the need for government support in expanding youth empowerment initiatives, advocating for programs that foster productive citizenship among young people.
The event coincided with reports of increasing suicide cases among university students, linked to factors such as interpersonal conflicts. Statistics from the Uganda Refugee Suicide Dashboard underscored the severity of the issue, with significant numbers of attempted suicides and deaths reported among both refugees and Ugandans in early 2024.
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