By Derrick Kakooza
On September 17, the Launchpad debate club gathered at Uganda Christian University (UCU) to engage in a lively discussion on mental health during which a question arose,‘can we truly claim to value well-being if mental health remains stigmatised in learning institutions?’
Despite increasing awareness of mental health issues, schools and universities often lag in providing an environment that fully supports students’ emotional and psychological needs.
For many students, the stigma surrounding mental health persists leading to shame, fear and silence. This not only hinders individuals from seeking help but also contradicts the broader objective of nurturing well-rounded, healthy individuals.
Elizabeth Cherotich, president of the launchpad debate club states that mental health should be seen as an integral part of a student’s overall health. “Education institutions must take active steps to remove the stigma.” she said
One of the debaters, Joseph Tenywa, LLB 3 student, argues that students should always focus on their goals and ask themselves whether taking drugs(weed) can enable them to achieve them.
Another student, Benjamin Karima, a para counsellor, says that counselling has been packaged as a punishment that is only prescribed to social misfits. “ This has increased stigmatisation among students. Good mental health is not all about good vibes and feeling happy, it is how we relate with negativity.” Karima said.
Eliashib Owomugisha,a mental health advocate and a student of law in his third year notes that mental health is a big issue that needs the government and institutions to work together to cure the stigma.
The Launchpad debate club happens every Tuesday in M2 and is where we explore critical issues shaping our society and challenge conventional thinking. The debate underscored the importance of treating mental health with the same priority as physical health.
