Her Royal Highness Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, the Nnaabagereka of Buganda, will host
the second edition of the Queen’s Ball on May 2, 2025, at Speke Resort Convention
Centre in Munyonyo this Friday May 2 nd .
Under the theme “Healing Minds,” the event aims to raise awareness and funds for
mental health initiatives in Uganda, addressing a critical issue in a country where 14
million people face mental health challenges, yet access to care remains limited.
The Queen’s Ball, a high-profile fundraising gala, will bring together entrepreneurs,
diplomats, corporate leaders, and Buganda Kingdom officials to foster dialogue, reduce
stigma, and support grassroots mental health efforts.
Sylivia Nnabagereka emphasized that the Ball will combine elegance with advocacy,
spotlighting the need for more mental health resources in Uganda, where only one
psychiatrist serves every million people.
Nnaabagereka emphasized that this initiative aims to support individuals facing mental
health challenges by ensuring they receive adequate care and treatment.
She encouraged Ugandans to show love and support to those struggling with mental
health issues. She noted that increasing awareness and compassion could help reduce
the rising number of people affected by such conditions.
Nnaabagereka highlighted that mental health disorders affect many people, yet some
remain silent about their struggles, while others may not even recognize they need help.
She urged society to stop stigmatizing those with mental illnesses and instead support
them with kindness and understanding.
She further explained that the ‘Queens Ball’ aims to raise awareness about mental
health conditions and fundraise to support those affected by mental health disorders
The Minister of Health, Social Welfare Owek. Choltilda Nakate Kikomeko, stated that
the event seeks to break the silence and fear surrounding discussions on mental health.
She noted that Nnaabagereka’s leadership in this initiative would encourage more
people to come forward and seek help.
Dr. Juliete Nakku, the Executive Director of Butabika National Referral Hospital,
revealed that since the outbreak of COVID-19, the number of young people
experiencing mental health issues has significantly increased. She reported that
statistics show one in four people suffers from some form of mental health condition.
Research conducted by the Ministry of Health and Butabika Hospital also indicates that
30% of school-going children experience mental health instability, a situation that has
led to an increase in cases of self-harm and suicidal tendencies among young people.
