Summary

Between July 2023 and June 2024, YouBelong Uganda focused on strengthening community based mental health care, research, and early intervention across Uganda. A major milestone was progress on the Wellcome Trust funded SCAPE U research project, which continued into its pilot and feasibility phase in Kampala and Wakiso districts. The project works with primary health facilities, Village Health Teams, service users, carers, and people with lived experience of psychosis, with early evidence showing the value of peer support in improving recovery and mental health service delivery. Alongside this, YouBelong Uganda supported health workers through training, supervision, community sensitisation, and ongoing collaboration with government and district health structures.
The organisation also expanded its community and prevention work. The PowerfulMinds programme continued in primary schools in Jinja and Buikwe, strengthening children’s emotional wellbeing, safety, and safeguarding systems. Public awareness was increased through monthly mental health radio programmes, while targeted initiatives supported women’s mental wellbeing, youth participation through consultation groups, and recovery from alcohol and substance use through the Humility Programme in partnership with the Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala. Across all programmes, the year reflected YouBelong Uganda’s continued commitment to lived experience leadership, community partnerships, and building a more inclusive and recovery oriented mental health system.