Mental illness is a topic no one wants to talk about.
We know that mental health is one of the most neglected areas of public health, yet it affects more than one billion people globally. In Uganda, about 22.9% of children, and 24.2% of adults have a mental disorder. The treatment gap is estimated at 85%, leaving only 15% of those in need with access to mental health care. In addition, the healthcare budget allocation to mental health is less than 1%, with no investment in community mental health services whilst stigma and poverty prevent people from accessing the few services that do exist. Poverty brings with it heightened stress, social exclusion, violence and trauma, all of which contribute to mental health problems.
On the other hand, stigma is often fueled by the widespread lack of information mental health problems. In some communities in Uganda, mental health problems are considered a punishment from God, witchcraft or bad luck and the treatment methods often involve prayer, violence, isolation and exclusion of those affected from both family and society at large.
Stigma is more deadly than the illness itself.
It’s time to stop the stigma.
Across the world, mental illness has historically been a death sentence. Although effective treatment is available, the stigma surrounding the illness prevents millions of people (young and old) from accessing care. Stigma also cuts people off from once-thriving communities, leaving hundreds of thousands of men, women, girls and boys isolated, lonely, vulnerable, and devastated.
Underreporting and Misdiagnosis
Stigma surrounding mental health often leads to underreporting of symptoms and reluctance to seek help, resulting in misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. According to the WHO, globally, less than half of those with mental health conditions receive treatment.
Economic Impact
Stigma contributes to economic burdens through decreased productivity and employment opportunities for individuals with mental health conditions. The WHO estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy over $1 trillion annually in lost productivity.
Social Exclusion and Discrimination
Stigma perpetuates social exclusion and discrimination against individuals with mental health conditions, impacting their relationships, housing, educational and work opportunities. Stigma contributes to the violation of human rights and increases the vulnerability of individuals with mental health conditions to abuse and exploitation.
We know from research that people affected by mental health conditions are among the least likely of any group in society with a long-term health condition or disability to find work, be in a steady long-term relationship, or be socially included in both family and community activities.
Together, we can change that.
Ending Stigma & Discrimination
Having a mental health problem is still viewed as a life sentence in Uganda and beyond. This remains a huge barrier preventing millions of young people from accessing mental health support when needed. They instead choose to suffer in silence. For those that are already affected, they are often discriminated and isolated by family and community members. Twogere exist to challenge these misconceptions and negative beliefs by educating people (especially young people) about mental health problems. We envision a future where every young person receives mental health support when needed, and those already affected live a dignified life without stigma.
Community-led programming
Our integrated programs operate through the community. We believe that those we serve are the experts, and therefore we work with them at every stage to co-design community led mental health and wellbeing interventions.
Strategic Scaling
We are an organization with a growth mindset. We plan by 2028, our mental health & wellbeing programs will be live in 2,000 schools across Uganda. We plan to do this through strengthening the capacity of schools to advocate for, participate in, and influence mental health governance and delivery
Our Impact
38
active peer support
groups
65
peers are active members in a savings & loans group
350+
social contact sessions conducted
01
global mental health award
70+
mental health champions trained
320
students attending a mental health club monthly
75
schools reached in 8 districts across Uganda
180
teachers trained in mental health first aid training
