SOROTI CATHOLIC DIOCESE LAUNCHES MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRY TO TACKLE UGANDA’S “SILENT EPIDEMIC”
SOROTI CATHOLIC DIOCESE LAUNCHES MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRY TO TACKLE UGANDA’S “SILENT EPIDEMIC”
By Mr Odeke
In a historic and compassionate move, the Soroti Catholic Diocese has officially inaugurated and commissioned the Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM) — a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the growing mental health crisis affecting individuals and families across Uganda.
The launch ceremony, presided over by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, took place at the diocesan headquarters and drew hundreds of faithful, clergy, and community leaders. The bishop described the initiative as a “necessary and timely response to an often overlooked silent epidemic.”
According to recent research, mental illness has become one of Uganda’s most pressing public health concerns, with one in eight Ugandans reportedly living with a mental health challenge. Data indicates that 24.2% of adults and 22.9% of children are affected by mental illness, many linked to substance misuse. Shockingly, experts estimate that one in four Ugandans may be silently battling mental health disorders, often in isolation due to stigma and misinformation.
Bishop Eciru emphasized the Church’s duty to address not only spiritual needs but also the psychological and emotional burdens of its congregants.
“The Church must be a place of refuge for those burdened not only spiritually but also mentally. We cannot preach salvation while ignoring the silent suffering within our congregations,” he stated.
The newly established Catholic Mental Health Ministry, chaired by Padre Gonzaga Ongereny Waziwazi, MSc, is tasked with promoting awareness, offering counseling, and providing both spiritual and psychological support. While the ministry will not offer direct medical treatment, it will refer patients to professional health facilities when necessary.
Padre Ongereny highlighted that one of the biggest challenges in tackling mental health within faith communities is stigma and ignorance.
“For a long time, people have misunderstood mental health issues. When you mention mental health, the first reaction is, ‘Am I mad?’ Yet, that shows a lack of understanding about how to manage emotions and stress,” he noted.
He clarified the distinction between mental health and mental illness, urging the faithful to seek balance and help when necessary.
“Mental health is about our emotional, psychological, and social well-being — how we think, feel, and relate with others. It’s not about being happy all the time but having the ability to handle life’s challenges and find purpose,” he explained.
Mental illnesses, on the other hand, include conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — all of which are treatable when addressed early. Among Ugandan youth, depression reportedly affects one in four, while anxiety disorders affect one in seven. Survivors of conflict and abuse often suffer silently from PTSD without diagnosis or treatment.
The commissioning of the CMHM marks a new chapter in the Church’s pastoral mission, integrating faith and mental wellness. The ministry plans to collaborate closely with parish communities, schools, and families to run awareness campaigns, organize counseling sessions, and promote emotional resilience.
In his concluding message, Bishop Eciru called for empathy and understanding toward those battling mental health challenges.
“Mental illness does not mean spiritual weakness. It is a human condition that requires love, patience, and guidance. The Church stands with all who are suffering — you are not alone,” he said.
As the Catholic Mental Health Ministry begins its work, the diocese is appealing for cooperation from the faithful and the broader community. Through prayer, education, and professional partnership, the Church hopes to restore hope, dignity, and healing to countless Ugandans suffering in silence.
