Mental Health Gala

Concept Note: Buikwe Mental Health Gala

Project Title: Breaking the Silence: Buikwe Mental Health Gala.

Implementing Organization: GRM In partnership with local community leaders, health centers, and youth groups.

Project Location: Buikwe District, Uganda (Gamba Village, Nakanja Hill)

Date of Implementation: Proposed Date: December 20th, 2025,  “My Mind, My Community: Ending the Stigma Together.”

Target Beneficiaries:

  • Primary: Rural youth (aged 15-30) in Buikwe District.
  • Secondary: Community elders, local leaders, teachers, parents, and caregivers.

Contact Person: Grace Julius Ssembatya, Executive Director – GRM 

Email: grace@grm.ug 

Phone: +256 779481189 

  1.  Introduction and Background

Mental health remains one of the most neglected areas of public health in Uganda, particularly in rural settings like Buikwe District. Stigma, misinformation, and a critical lack of resources prevent young people from seeking help, leading to untreated conditions that impact education, livelihoods, and community cohesion.

Cultural beliefs often attribute mental health challenges to spiritual causes, further isolating affected individuals. For the rural youth, who face additional pressures from unemployment, poverty, and social change, this lack of support can be devastating. There is an urgent need to initiate open, culturally-sensitive conversations about mental well-being to demystify these issues and direct community members toward available support.

  1. Problem Statement

A significant knowledge and awareness gap on mental health exists among the youth in rural Buikwe. This is characterized by:

  • High Stigma: Mental health issues are often seen as a weakness, a curse, or madness.
  • Low Help-Seeking Behavior: Fear of judgment prevents youth from talking about their struggles or seeking professional help.
  • Limited Access to Information: There are few engaging, youth-friendly platforms to disseminate accurate information on mental health.
  • Misconceptions: Prevailing myths prevent community support and appropriate care for those experiencing mental health challenges.

This silence perpetuates suffering, hinders development, and costs lives.

  1. Project Goal

To reduce stigma and increase awareness and knowledge of mental health among rural youth in Buikwe District, fostering a more supportive and informed community.

  1. Objectives
  1. To directly educate at least 500 rural youth from across Buikwe District on common mental health conditions, coping mechanisms, and available resources through an engaging, accessible gala event.
  2. To reduce stigma by creating a safe, open space for dialogue, sharing personal stories, and challenging harmful myths through art and community discourse.
  3. To establish a clear referral pathway by connecting attendees with information on local health centers, community support groups, and free helplines.
  4. To empower youth by positioning them as ambassadors for mental health awareness within their own communities post-event.
  1. Project Description / Methodology

The Buikwe Mental Health Gala will be a day-long (with pre-activities within villages), festive, and interactive event designed to attract youth and dismantle barriers through engagement rather than lecture.

Key activities will include:

  • Live Performances: Music, drama, and comedy skits from local artists and rural youth groups, with content developed around mental health themes (e.g., stress, depression, peer pressure, hope).
  • Sports Activities: Rural youth will participate in different sports competition activities. 
  • Testimonial Sessions: Courageous individuals (including youth) will share their lived experiences with mental health challenges in a supportive setting to foster empathy and connection.
  • Expert Talk Tents: Quiet, designated tents where qualified counselors and health workers will give mini-talks on specific topics (e.g., “Understanding Anxiety,” “How to Support a Friend”) and offer private, one-on-one conversations.
  • Interactive Booths & Exhibitions:
    • Info Booths: Disseminating easy-to-understand pamphlets (in Luganda and English) on mental health.
    • Partner Stalls: Featuring local NGOs, health centers (e.g., Buikwe Health Center IV), and community-based organizations showcasing their services.
    • Art Therapy Zone: Activities like communal mural painting, journaling workshops, and “wall of hope” where people can post encouraging messages.
  • Community Dialogue: A moderated panel discussion with a mix of health experts, local leaders (LCs, religious figures), and youth representatives to address community questions and commitments.
  • Entertainment and Food: A festive atmosphere with local food vendors and music to ensure high attendance and engagement.
  1. Expected Outcomes and Impact
  • Short-Term: Increased knowledge of mental health signs, symptoms, and support options among 500+ youth. Measured by pre- and post-event surveys.
  • Medium-Term: Increased footfall and inquiries at local health centers for mental health services in the weeks following the gala. A network of youth mental health ambassadors established.
  • Long-Term: A measurable reduction in stigma within the community, leading to more open discussions about mental well-being and earlier help-seeking behavior. A replicable model for other rural districts.
  1. Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Pre-/Post-Event Surveys: Short questionnaires to measure changes in knowledge and attitudes.
  • Sign-in Sheets: To track attendance numbers and demographics.
  • Feedback Box: Anonymous feedback from attendees on their experience.
  • Partner Reports: Follow-up with local health centers to monitor any increase in service uptake.
  • Documentation: Photos, videos (with consent), and testimonials to capture the event’s impact.
  1. Sustainability
  • Capacity Building: Training a core group of youth volunteers to continue awareness efforts.
  • Resource Mapping: Creating a simple, printed resource directory of services to be distributed widely during and after the event.
  • Partnerships: Strengthening the network between local government, health providers, and community groups to ensure mental health remains a priority.
  1. Budget Outline (Summary)

A detailed budget is available upon request. Key cost categories include:

  • Venue and Logistics (sound, tents, chairs)
  • Transport and Accommodation for facilitators/artists
  • Communication and Materials (posters, flyers, banners, pamphlets)
  • Refreshments for volunteers and performers
  • Honoraria for certified health professionals and artists
  • Monitoring and Evaluation costs
  1. Conclusion

The Buikwe Mental Health Gala presents an innovative, culturally-appropriate, and impactful approach to tackling the silent epidemic of poor mental health among rural youth. By combining education with entertainment, we can break down stigma, save lives, and empower a generation to prioritize their mental well-being. We seek partners and donors who share this vision for a healthier, more supportive Buikwe.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss this proposal further.

GrassRoots Ministry – GRM
Gamba Village, Nakanja Hill, Buikwe District.
www.grm.ug