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Ministry of Education and Sports (Uganda)
Policy guidance, school access, and system integration.
Why the problem matters
A significant share of Ugandan adolescents live with depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance-use risk that quietly erodes their learning, attendance, and wellbeing. UNICEF’s Uganda Situation Analysis (2021–2023) tracks worsening psychosocial distress among school-aged children, and finds mental health services for adolescents remain scarce — especially inside schools.
The Ministry of Education and Sports’ Education Sector Annual Performance Report (2022/2023) links rising absenteeism, dropout, and behavioural challenges to unaddressed psychosocial issues. Research from Makerere University’s School of Public Health (2021–2022) finds that while many adolescents show symptoms consistent with depression and anxiety, very few ever receive formal support — schools simply lack trained personnel and structured services.
Most mental health conditions take root before age 14 (WHO, 2022). Without structured screening, prevention, and treatment in schools — and with stigma and weak referral systems compounding the gap — too many adolescents struggle silently. Schools remain the single most strategic platform to change that.
“Half of all mental health disorders begin before age 14 — making schools the most effective platform for early identification, prevention, and intervention.” WHO, 2022–2023
Why this works
Evidence from comparable Uganda pilots
Outcomes drawn from Uganda school-based mental health pilots and StrongMinds Uganda programme data, 2020–2023.
63%
Students improve academic performance after structured group therapy
+4.6
Additional school days attended per term after psychosocial support
96%
Adolescents report improved hope and emotional wellbeing after therapy
↑
Trained teachers show improved classroom management and student engagement
Who we reach
Target population
Continuity of mental health support across every stage of a young person’s education — from the primary school circle to the university corridor.
Ages 12–19 · Primary target
Adolescents in school
- Adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, or trauma
- Students at risk of substance use and risky behaviours
- Learners with poor academic performance linked to psychosocial distress
- School-going adolescents needing preventive mental health education
Educators & community · Secondary target
Those who deliver and support care
- Teachers trained as mental health facilitators
- School counsellors and administrators
- Parents and caregivers
- Peer leaders and student clubs, community leaders and stakeholders
New addition — college & tertiary youth (18–25)
Enrolled in universities, technical and vocational institutions, and colleges. Included for their high exposure to academic stress, depression, substance-use risk, transition-related pressure, and financial strain — supported through adapted psychosocial care, peer-led activities, and referral linkages.
Partnership inquiry form
Tell us about your organisation and how you would like to support adolescent mental health and school well-being in Uganda.
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District education offices
Coordination, supervision, and monitoring of schools.
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School leadership
Institutional implementation, teacher participation, and student engagement.
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Local NGOs and community-based organizations
Community mobilization, psychosocial service delivery, and outreach.
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Health facilities
Referral and clinical support for students requiring specialized care.
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StrongMinds
Evidence-based group therapy and mental health training for communities.
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World Health Organization
Technical guidance aligned with global standards on school mental health.