Mental Health in the Face of Cultural Beliefs: A Case Study from Uganda

Abstract

In addition to limited resources, the mentally ill in Uganda suffer stigma and discrimination that is exacerbated by the existing cultural and religious beliefs as well as the legal structures. These conditions have deprived the mentally ill of adequate health, respect and dignity. While it is necessary to improve the mental health care system of Uganda, it is important to be respectful of the cultural and religious freedoms of the Ugandan society. This paper examines the competing interpretations and treatments between the Western approach and the existing traditional approach. It also suggests how the government and health providers of Uganda can go about implementing the mental health care action plan recommended by the World Health Organization without treating the cultural and religious beliefs of the people as illegitimate.