Overview of the Training Session
On March 19, 2025, UICT hosted a Mental Health Awareness Day focused on fostering a safe space for students to express emotions, identify stressors, and learn coping strategies. Anonymous feedback forms captured their emotional states and training impact, offering a snapshot of student mental well-being across the institution.
1. What the Training Covered
The Mental Health Awareness session at UICT was designed to help students openly engage with their emotional well-being. Led by experienced facilitators, the session covered:
- Recognizing signs of stress, anxiety, and depression
- Building healthy coping strategies and self-care routines
- Managing academic workload and pressure
- Dealing with relationship and financial stressors
- Controlling technology/internet overuse and its effect on mental health
- The importance of seeking help and supporting each other
- Introduction to peer support structures like the “Tuli Nawe” group
Interactive discussions and breakout groups encouraged students to reflect on their own mental state and share coping strategies.
2. Student Feedback Highlights
A feedback form was completed anonymously by participants to better understand their mental health challenges and learning outcomes from the training.
Emotional State
- 40% felt “Good” or “Somehow Good” on the day
- 40% felt “Stressed” or “Not Okay”
- 20% were neutral or unsure
Common Emotions Experienced During the Week
- Anxiety, sadness, anger, and stress dominated
- Positive emotions like happiness were mentioned, often mixed with uneasiness
Reported Stress Triggers
- Inability to pay rent and daily expenses
- Romantic and family relationship issues
- Fear of academic failure and career insecurity
Mental Health Self-Rating
- Average rating: 4.4 out of 10
- Only one student rated their mental health above 5, highlighting widespread emotional challenges
Takeaways from the Training
- Students learned to identify signs of emotional distress early
- Many gained clarity on managing stress and preventing depression
- Multiple students appreciated the openness of discussing taboo topics like emotional trauma, therapy, and digital burnout
3. Interest in Mental Health Support
Several students expressed interest in joining “Tuli Nawe”—a mental wellness support group aimed at offering a non-judgmental peer space for healing and empathy. Though not all responded explicitly, there was strong indication that such safe spaces are urgently needed.
4. Estimated Mental Health Reach
Based on response patterns and national statistics :
- It is estimated that 60–70% of UICT students experience similar mental health issues
- At least 30–40% may be silently struggling due to stigma or lack of awareness
This session was not just another awareness talk. It was a beginning—of conversation, of connection, and of change. Students left more informed, more supported, and more hopeful. As mental health remains a growing concern in universities across Uganda, sessions like this serve as an essential step toward long-term institutional support and well-being.
