Ugandans residing in the United Kingdom (UK) together with well-wishers have converged at Uganda High Commission in London, to raise funds for improving the experiences of children at Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital (Children’s Ward).

The successful event which took place on Friday, July 7, 2023, was organised under the auspices of the Miss Pride of Africa Foundation, with the notion ‘Lend a hand to save a life’.

To start with, Ugandan diasporas shared their experiences regarding mental health resilience and well-being.

On her part, Miss Pride of Africa & 1st Princess, Ms Victoria Nakato, encouraged Ugandans, especially the youth to take care of their mental health and well-being and look out for each other as a community.

The Uganda-UK Health Alliance Lead person and Vice-Chairperson of East London NHS Foundation Trust – Butabika Hospital Global Health Link, Moses Mulimira, highlighted the importance of improving the mental health and well-being of Ugandans both in the Diaspora and at home.
“Mental health is something we all have. When we enjoy good mental health, we have a sense of purpose and direction, the energy to do the things we want to do, and the ability to deal with the challenges that happen in our lives healthily,” he said.

He also called upon the government to invest more in mental health services, in a bid to improve the economic productivity of the populace.

In his words, the Director of Global Health at East London NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Nick Bass, reassured their position of a continued mutually beneficial relationship, with Butabika Hospital and Health Ministry in mental health services & capacity building.

Most importantly, in her message delivered by Head of Tourism & Commercial Diplomacy, Ms Miriam Otengo, the Uganda High Commissioner to the UK, H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, urged Ugandans in the diaspora to support each other, and also tap into available support services from the Embassy toward the community.

Generally, the organisers appreciate the Miss Pride UK team, East London NHS Foundation Trust – Butabika Hospital, and the Uganda High Commission in London.

The event organisers would like to say a huge thank you to all the remarkable fundraisers! It should be noted that all proceeds from the fundraising activities will go toward improving the Children’s Ward, Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital.

Miss Pride Of Africa UK, TheQueenmother Mariam, Kibedi Ronald Cox, Namirembe Sophie, House Childers, Opolot Opolot, Nakate Robinah, Nasuuna Marian, Muwonge Dalausi, Isma Luzige, Daphne Namugga, Nancy Kitaka, Namirembe Maria.