In a historic and compassionate move, the Soroti Catholic Diocese has officially inaugurated and commissioned the Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM), an initiative designed to address the growing mental health crisis affecting individuals and families across the country.
The inauguration was presided over by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, who described the launch as a necessary and timely response to an often overlooked “silent epidemic” in Uganda.
According to recent research, mental illness has become one of the most pressing public health concerns in Uganda, with one out of every eight people reportedly living with a mental health challenge.
The statistics are deeply concerning about 24.2% of adults and 22.9% of children are affected by mental illness, many cases linked to substance misuse.
The data further indicates that one in four Ugandans may be silently battling mental health disorders, yet stigma and misinformation have continued to hinder open discussion and timely intervention.
Speaking during the inauguration, Bishop Eciru emphasized the Church’s moral responsibility to respond not only to spiritual needs but also to the psychological and emotional struggles of the faithful.
“The Church must be a place of refuge for those burdened not only spiritually but also mentally. We cannot preach salvation while ignoring the silent suffering within our congregations,” he said.
The newly formed Catholic Mental Health Ministry is chaired by Padre Gonzaga Ongereny Waziwazi, MSc, who underscored that the team’s primary mandate is to sensitize, counsel and provide spiritual and psychological support to those affected by mental health challenges.
The ministry, however, does not offer medical treatment but will refer patients to professional health facilities where necessary.
Padre Ongereny explained that one of the major obstacles in addressing mental health within faith communities is stigma and ignorance. “For a long time, people have misunderstood mental health issues. When you mention mental health, the first reaction you get is, ‘Am I mad?’ Yet, that very reaction shows a lack of understanding about how to manage emotions and stress,” he noted.
He further clarified the difference between mental health and mental illness, urging the faithful to recognize the importance of maintaining emotional balance and seeking help when needed.
“Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological and social well-being, how we think, feel and relate with others. It doesn’t mean being happy all the time, but rather the ability to handle life’s challenges, build healthy relationships and find purpose,” he explained.
On the other hand, mental illness refers to conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, mood or behavior.
These include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma-related disorders such as PTSD and personality disorders.
He stressed that these conditions are treatable, and recovery begins with acceptance and seeking professional help.
Padre Ongereny further pointed out that depression and anxiety remain the most common mental health issues among Ugandans.
Among the youth, depression affects almost one in four, while anxiety disorders, including panic attacks and social phobia, affect about one in seven. Survivors of conflict, displacement and abuse also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
The bishop’s commissioning of the CMHM team marks a new chapter in the Church’s pastoral care, integrating faith and mental wellness.
The ministry will work hand-in-hand with parish communities, schools, and families to promote mental health awareness, counseling, and emotional support programs.
In his concluding remarks, Bishop Eciru urged Christians to treat those struggling with mental health issues with compassion and understanding.
“Mental illness does not mean spiritual weakness. It is a human condition that requires love, patience, and guidance. The Church stands with all who are suffering, you are not alone,” he said.
As the new ministry begins its work, the diocese calls for cooperation from the faithful and the wider community to ensure the initiative’s success.
Through combined efforts of prayer, education, and professional partnership, the Catholic Mental Health Ministry hopes to restore hope, dignity, and healing to countless individuals silently suffering within society.
“We pray for cooperation for the success of this team,” said Padre Ongereny. “May this ministry be a beacon of hope and healing for all those struggling in silence.”
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We the catholic girls and women are suffering with rape, sexual assault,turmar but have no where to report to. U go to parish council chair he/she tells you I hope you have not spread it I will see and keeps quiet for life . U go to the Bishop they down here you. How can we be helped
My husband had a washing bay in the church land and agreement with the parish priest but later the wash bay was taken by a big man political man when he went to seek for help from the church they said we shall look into it until now since 2023 no job no support yet he has a family for sure we are going through a lot