Some of the students that took part in the mental Health Symposium held on 30th January 2025
Makerere University’s College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT) hosted a Mental Health Symposium, highlighting the critical issue of mental health among students. The symposium was convened by the College Guild Chairman, Senteza Edward, in collaboration with the Makerere Mental Health Club
The symposium facilitated by staff from the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centreand the Counselling and Guidance Centre at Makerere University addressed the significant impact of mental health issues on students, noting the high rates of depression, suicide, and drug abuse. CEDAT students, in particular, face intense schedules that contribute to heightened stress, especially during the final semesters of the academic year.
Prof. Moses Musinguzi, the Principal of CEDAT who opened the event, emphasized the importance of having such a student-led and student-supported nature of the symposium. He said many people including himself were vulnerable to mental health issues due to various social, economic, and academic pressures.
Keynote speaker, Ms. Evelyn KharonoLufafa from the Counselling and Guidance Centre at Makerere University, discussed managing academic pressure in a competitive environment. She highlighted the negative effects of excessive academic pressure on students’ health and well-being, especially in demanding programs like engineering, health sciences, and law.
Ms. Lufafa offered practical strategies for managing academic pressure, including personal reflection, breathing exercises, developing a growth mindset, and seeking support from resources like the counselingcenter, counseling buddies, university hospitals, registrars, and academic staff. She underscored the importance of self-care and resilience in maintaining mental health.
The panel discussion featured Pastor Ronald Saazi, Dr. Gadnera facilitator at the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre, and librarian BirungiKhasfer. The panelists discussed the prevalence of mental health issues in Uganda, with over 14 million Ugandans affected, and the rising mental health challenges among young people. Dr. Gadner highlighted the high frequency of thoughts and distractions that contribute to mental health issues, while Birungi pointed out the role of library isolation in exacerbating mental health problems.
The symposium concluded with a call to action for both students and staff to prioritize mental health and seek professional help when needed. The event underscored the importance of addressing mental health issues proactively and establishing proper support structures at Makerere University.
