Could Ssesazi’s death cause have an element of mental health or stress?

23 February 2025, 10:57 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

On 30th January 2025, the permanent secretary, ministry of health, Dr. Diana Atwine, warned all staff supported by United States President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), USAID and CDC that all their activities related to disbursement of financial assistance and other relevant agency activities were stopped with immediate effect. “Accordingly, given that your operations and emoluments were directly supported by United States government and such activities have since been suspended, you are informed to halt work for which you had been contracted, as we engage with the United States government on the way forward.” she said.

According to one of the officials at the Butabika national referral mental hospital who preferred anonymity, is concerned about president of the United States directive. “We were providing essential treatment to over 1,000 patients, ensuring they manage their opioid dependence. Without these interventions, many of them are at risk of severe health complications, relapse, and even death. The sudden withdrawal of support is going to leave us scrambling for alternatives, but the truth is, there are no immediate solutions.” the official said.

Weeks ago, the US government put a halt to the United States President’s Emergency Plan for 90 days as it assess the viability of its operations. PEPFAR being the global health funding to address the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and help save the lives of those affected by the disease, directly or indirectly as of 2023 according to statistics, over 24 million lives, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. “I am worried about what the future holds. My life would be a complete mess without the counseling and harm reduction attempts. I had battled for years and rehab was my turning point. I got treatment and counseling I needed to get my life back on track because I had lost hope almost.” one of beneficiaries of the program said.

Mental health is a person’s overall psychological, emotional, and social well-being according to research. Whereas stress is a state of worrying or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. However; There are other definitions. Ssesazi Elishamah a senior three leaner at Seeta High School in Mukono was found hanging in the boys dormitory very few days ago. According to the deputy police spokesperson of Kampala Metropolitan, Luke Owoyesigyire, this is treated as suicide. “We are treating this as a suspected suicide, but investigations are on going to determine the circumstances leading to this unfortunate incident. We encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist the authorities.” he said in a statement.