UPDF Personnel Urged To Prioritise Mental And Physical Wellbeing
The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have been urged to focus on their mental and physical health in order to address challenges such as HIV, mental illness, and various communicable and non-communicable diseases.
This call was made by Dr Richard Mugahi, Commissioner for Reproductive Health at the Ministry of Health, during a Men’s Day medical camp at the Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya. The event, held under the theme “Celebrating Men’s Leadership and Economically Empowered Families,” aimed to raise awareness about men’s health.
Dr Mugahi thanked the MODVA for collaborating with the Ministry of Health to promote men’s health awareness. He stressed that men are equally vulnerable to chronic and mental health issues and called for proactive measures, particularly regarding prostate cancer screening and other non-communicable diseases. “Men over 40 should prioritise prostate cancer screening, as it is a leading cause of death among men, yet many neglect it. Diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and other lifestyle-related conditions should also be monitored early for timely intervention,” Dr Mugahi advised.
While acknowledging Uganda’s progress in reducing HIV prevalence, Dr Mugahi highlighted that mental health concerns remain significant. “Our health facilities, such as the Cancer Institute and Butabika Hospital, are overwhelmed. Men must take precautions to protect their own lives and the wellbeing of their loved ones,” he cautioned.
Dr Lydia Mungherera, Coordinator of the International Men’s Day Platform, stressed the importance of men prioritising their health and that of their families. She noted that ignoring chronic and non-communicable diseases is a mistake. “Bottling up stress and problems is one of the main causes of mental illness among men. Regular health checkups and open communication are essential for maintaining good health,” Dr Mungherera said.
Maj John Bosco Ninsiima, a Public Health Specialist with the UPDF, reinforced the need for mental health awareness. He identified risk factors such as work-related stress, family pressures, excessive alcohol consumption, and inadequate sleep.
He emphasised the importance of prioritising mental health by setting clear goals, maintaining a healthy diet, practising self-care, and seeking professional support when needed. He also highlighted that sharing problems openly could significantly reduce mental health challenges.
The event was attended by senior UPDF officers, health professionals, counsellors, and representatives from organisations such as TASO Mulago and the National Health Laboratory Diagnostic Services.
