Kampala, Uganda — Hon. Dr. Mercy Faith Lakisa, the Woman Member of Parliament for Alebtong District and Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Youth and Children Affairs, has called for stronger action to address mental health challenges and suicide across Africa.
Lakisa made the call after participating in the 1st African Regional Summit on Suicide Prevention 2026, held under the theme “From Silence to Action: Advancing Suicide Prevention Across Africa.”
The summit brought together Members of Parliament, mental health experts and other stakeholders to discuss the growing mental health challenges affecting communities across the continent and explore practical measures to strengthen suicide prevention.
Lakisa said addressing mental health challenges requires leaders to move beyond awareness campaigns and embrace practical policies capable of protecting vulnerable people and improving access to support services.
She emphasised the need for stronger healthcare infrastructure and community-based support systems, arguing that effective mental health interventions should be backed by appropriate policies and legislative frameworks.
The Alebtong Woman MP further called for greater collaboration between government institutions, civil society organisations, religious leaders and communities in tackling stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging people to seek help.
She noted that leadership has an important role to play in breaking the silence around mental health, particularly by creating an environment where people experiencing emotional and psychological challenges can access support without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Lakisa’s participation in the regional summit also reflects her wider ministerial responsibility for Youth and Children Affairs, a docket that places her at the centre of national efforts concerning the welfare, protection and empowerment of young people.
As Uganda’s representative for Alebtong in the 12th Parliament and a member of the national Cabinet, Lakisa has continued to highlight issues affecting vulnerable groups, with mental health and suicide prevention emerging as important areas requiring coordinated action.
