Butabika Mental Hospital Faces Shs102 Billion Funding Shortfall Amid Surging Mental Health Cases

Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital is struggling with a massive Shs102 billion funding gap to meet its operational priorities. Executive Director Dr. Juliet Nakku shared this during her appearance before the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) on March 16, 2026.

The hospital needs Shs24 billion for wages to boost staffing but received only Shs9.6 billion. It requested Shs60 billion for non-wage expenses and Shs40 billion for capital development, yet got Shs10 billion and Shs2.2 billion respectively.

Dr. Nakku highlighted critical shortages: 14 psychiatric doctors serve 1,000 patients, far exceeding the ideal one-to-30 ratio. The nurse-to-patient ratio stands at one to 60, straining intensive mental health care. Staff positions have grown from 533 to 833, but funding is lacking to fill them.

Legislators raised alarms over soaring mental illness rates, including 4.6% depression prevalence, rising suicides, and 22.9% among children. Committee Chairperson Hon. Gorreth Namugga questioned integration of mental health into primary care.

Hon. Asuman Basalirwa praised the hospital’s training programs and inquired about deploying graduates to regional hospitals. Hon. Susan Amero called for more public awareness campaigns via radio and TV.

Dr. Nakku attributed youth mental health issues to unemployment, family breakdowns, academic stress from grueling school schedules, and substance abuse, which accounts for 30% of patients. She noted ongoing efforts to place psychologists and counselors in district facilities and conducts awareness via social media, radio, and a call center.

The hospital seeks parliamentary support to enhance wages at other facilities for early intervention.

Source: Parliament of Uganda