Tackling the hidden mental health crisis in Uganda’s refugee settlements

Amid the sprawling refugee settlements of Uganda, the visible challenges—scarce resources, overcrowded shelters, and food insecurity—are only part of the struggle.

Beneath the surface lies an equally pressing issue: mental distress. As Uganda continues to host over 1.7 million refugees, the emotional toll on these displaced individuals is growing, with suicide rates quietly rising in their midst.

At a recent dinner marking the 30th anniversary of ‘Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) Uganda’, Peter Okwi, the NGO’s Country Director, shed light on this hidden mental health crisis.

He painted a sobering picture of a refugee population not only fighting for basic survival, but also grappling with psychological trauma that often goes unnoticed.

“There has been a significant increase in cases of people attempting or committing suicide in the settlements,” Okwi revealed, his concern mirroring the magnitude of the problem.

In response to this crisis, TPO Uganda has taken an innovative approach: psychological first aid. This intervention, much like medical first aid, addresses immediate emotional needs in the aftermath of trauma.

Refugees, already dealing with the loss of homes, families, and safety, are provided a comforting presence and basic mental health support.

Okwi explains the rationale behind this approach. “We focus on providing a comforting presence, helping refugees understand the common triggers of stress, and giving them coping mechanisms.”

The initiative has offered solace to many refugees, who often feel abandoned and overwhelmed by their circumstances.

For refugees like Sarah Nyangoma, who fled the Democratic Republic of Congo with her two children, the trauma is all-consuming.

“When we arrived in Uganda, I thought I would feel safe again. But the nightmares of what I left behind are still with me,” she confides, her voice shaking. Nyangoma, like many other refugees, is haunted by the atrocities she witnessed, and the psychological wounds often cut deeper than the physical ones.

TPO’s psychological first aid program provides a critical intervention, offering hope where none seems possible.

Refugees like Nyangoma are given the tools to cope with their trauma, ensuring that they can rebuild their lives despite their painful past.

The efforts of TPO Uganda have reached about 5.5 million people across 73 districts over the past 30 years, making a tangible impact on refugees and displaced individuals.

Their work not only addresses violence and livelihood creation but also connects those with mental health needs to the right professionals—counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists.

Despite these successes, Okwi emphasizes that much more needs to be done. “Mental health services are underfunded, and we are struggling to meet the rising demand in refugee settlements,” he said, calling for a greater investment in mental health services at the national level.

For many refugees, having access to mental health care can be the difference between survival and despair.

While Uganda remains Africa’s largest host of refugees, with its policies lauded globally for their inclusivity, the emotional burden carried by these displaced individuals continues to grow. The resilience of Uganda’s refugee population is undeniable, yet their mental health must not be overlooked.

The psychological wounds of displacement may not be as visible as physical scars, but they are just as real.

With continued efforts from organizations like TPO Uganda and increased investment in mental health services, there is hope that the silent suffering of these refugees will no longer go unheard.