Uganda Lacks Secure Forensic Psychiatry Ward, Butabika Director Warns Parliament

Dr. Juliet Nakku, head of Butabika National Referral Hospital, informed Uganda’s parliamentary Committee on Health that the nation lacks a secure forensic psychiatry ward. This gap hinders proper handling of high-risk patients with mental illnesses.

During her appearance on April 8, 2026, Nakku cited the case of Christopher Okello Onyum, accused of killing four toddlers in Ggaba. She stressed the need for forensic psychiatrists to evaluate suspects’ mental fitness, advise courts on responsibility, and ensure safe treatment over prison detention.

Nakku noted that while staffing structures include senior psychiatry roles, funding limits training. Other nations use such experts to support justice systems for mentally ill offenders.

Concerns also arose about rising mental health issues in children. MP Margaret Ayebale called for research into social factors affecting youth, warning against labeling behaviors as mere indiscipline.

A recent World Bank-funded study by Butabika found nearly 30% of children aged 11-17 facing emotional problems, impacting school performance. Schools lack resources, with teachers needing guidance on mental health.

To bridge this, Nakku announced new UNESCO and Ministry of Education-backed guidelines, signed by the First Lady, for training teachers and supporting parents and students.

This information comes from the Parliament of Uganda: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4390/uganda-lacking-secure-forensic-psychiatry-ward-butabika-director.