KIU, Main Campus - In an interactive session on Mental and Reproductive Health on March 5th, 2024, Dr. Faith Nakalema, the former HoD of Applied Psychology, at KIU, advised the students to place great importance on their mental health.

The session was held to continue the conversation on Mental Health from the Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC) 20th Anniversary hosted by Kampala International University earlier in the morning. The session sought to sensitize both students and staff members on the benefits of placing one's mental health above everything else. According to her, your mental health determines your level of productivity.

"You need to know your mental health status. Mental health is a universal human right. It is non-negotiable", she said.

During the session, Robert Rutungu, a 400L student from the School of Law spoke about the role of law in mental health.

"Victims of mental illness have a right under the Mental Health Act. Our constitution gave provisions for the protection of disabled people. Under Section 60 of the Act, a person with mental illness has a right to legal, sociopolitical, and other rights like other Ugandans.

"14 million Ugandans are suffering from mental illness, this is a very terrifying scenario for our country. I am calling upon everyone in our different capacities - police, doctors- we need to make awareness on mental health", he added.

Furthermore, Dr. Nakalema encouraged the participants to open up, especially in difficult moments in life.

"You need guidance, you need counseling", she advised.

Also in attendance was the new HoD, Applied Psychology, Dr. Enamudu Gabriel Peter, who enjoined the students to be intentional about their mental health.