𝐁𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐤𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬

[Da Dona]

Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital is facing a deepening crisis as 70% surge in mental health cases collides with a severe shortage of specialized staff, stretching the country’s primary mental health facility beyond its limits.
Originally built to accommodate about 550 patients, the hospital is now handling between 1,200 and 1,400 admissions which is more than double its capacity.

This overwhelming demand has strained infrastructure, essential supplies, and healthcare workers, raising concerns about the quality and sustainability of care.

As if that's not enough, the situation is worsened by a critical human resource gap. According to Executive Director Juliet Nakku, while appearing before the parliament Public Accounts Committee of Uganda , the hospital currently has only 14 psychiatric specialists attending to over 1,000 patients. highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

Dr. Nakku noted that the hospital requires at least Shs120 billion to address pressing challenges, including staffing, infrastructure expansion, and operational capacity. Without this investment, she warned, the facility risks being completely overwhelmed.