Mental health wellness champions honored with a call to enhance fatherhood roles in harmonizing families.

On Friday, 10th October 2025, the 4th Keturah Mental Health award celebrated the heroes who have played a great role mental health wellness initiatives to promote purpose, innovation, resilience and progress in mental well-being in Uganda and beyond  

High level Uganda discussed the role fatherhood plays in families and the nation at large most powerful experiences on mental wellness.

Justice Mike Chibita

Justice Michael Chibita from the Supreme Court of Uganda highlight that fathers are key to the stabilization of family as a unit of a bigger nation, reminding us that the strength of a nation begins at home. 

“Fathers shape family and societal mental health. Supported, they break cycles of pain, fostering strong families and a stable Uganda” he said

 Chibita added that “When fathers are supported and emotionally grounded, families and societies thrive together”

Angela Nsimbi

Mrs. Angella Nsimbi, Founder of the Keturah Mental Health Awards, called for greater awareness around fatherhood and its impact on mental health.  

She called upon collective actions, compassion, and stronger implementation of Uganda’s Mental Health Act 2019.

While making her remarks Mrs. Hafsa Lukwata, Head of Division, Mental Health at the Ministry of Health said that “Education and guidance are essential in shaping our children. From an early age, we teach them principles that stay with them throughout their lives — the Importance of discipline, responsibility, and care for others”.

She emphasized that it’s equally important is ensuring that children grow in an environment where their basic needs, including food and emotional support, are met.

“A child cannot thrive if they are neglected or hungry, whether physically or emotionally” she noted

Bishop Michael Kyazze

The Keynote Speech made by Bishop Michael Kyazze kicked off with sharing of his heart felt experience.

While sharing his family experience said that “My story is one of healing, redemption, and rediscovering the true meaning of fatherhood.It was confusing but transformative. I began to realize that unless I confronted and healed from my father wound, I would continue living a life full of pain — unable to fully father my own children or my church family”

Uganda has high rates of mental disorders, affecting a significant portion of the population, with estimates suggesting over 5.5 million individuals have a mental health condition as of 2024, and prevalence rates for adults around 24.2%. Key issues include high rates of depression (4.6%) and anxiety disorders (14.4%), with rates being higher in vulnerable populations such as children, refugees, and those with chronic diseases. Substance abuse, stress among others.