The Head of the Secretariat of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Mental Health, Ms Omona Mercy Gracy has said that the majority of individuals with mental health conditions are not violent, but are instead vulnerable and in need of care, protection and understanding.
MS Omona who is also a Clinical Psychologist was speaking following the tragic incident at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Programme, where four toddlers lost their lives.
She cautioned against attributing acts of violence solely to mental illness without proper professional assessment, noting that such assumptions increase stigma and discourage help-seeking.
She further highlighted that while severe and untreated psychological distress, combined with environmental pressures, can contribute to escalation, violence is more strongly associated with factors such as substance abuse, socio-economic challenges, and environmental influences rather than mental illness alone.
She called for strengthened mental health awareness, reduced stigma, improved access to services, and the promotion of early intervention and community support systems as key measures for prevention
