Uzima Ministries is a Christian faith-based non-governmental organization that was founded by DR. Ruhweza Martin in 2020 after heeding the spiritual call from God to start an institution that will help in preventing and treatment of mental health illnesses through offering professional mental health programs and sharing the Good news of the Gospel of salvation in order people to live meaningful lives.
Uzima Ministries offers mental health treatment services in Kampala (Trauma Healing Program) and Fort Portal (Streams of Life Program). Uzima provides a counselor at Kyenjojo District Health Center to provide counseling services. We also offer online services to the people whom we can’t reach.
Uzima ministries not only treat mental health disorders but also fight the misconceptions about mental health that prevail in Uganda and Africa at large through its innovative programs and these programs include but are not limited to:
School Mental Health & Wellness where students are counseled and engaged in different mental health competitions to create awareness and fight stigma towards mental health illness amongst students, teachers, and parents.
Treatment and Rehabilitation for Drug Addiction and Other Mental Illnesses. In this program, we treat mental Illnesses, rehabilitate people with Addictions, and offer counseling services in district health centers among others.
Strengthening of District Mental Health Programs where offer training programs to health center workers, place some of our staff to the district health centers among others.
I founded Uzima Ministries in December 2020 after heeding a call from our Father God to help people suffering from mental health issues and improve their mental well-being to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. This call involves spreading the good news about our Father God as a basis for finding true mental healing.
I founded Uzima ministries not only to help those suffering from mental health disorders but also to fight the misconceptions about mental health that prevail in Uganda and Africa at large. I realized most mental health issues become serious because our communities have great misconceptions about the whole subject.
Some of these misconceptions include; having mental health issues as a sign of weakness, only "crazy" people have mental health issues, medications are the only solution, mental health issues are just "in your head", people with mental health issues are violent, therapy is only for severe cases, mental health issues last forever among others.
Due to the misconceptions that people suffering from mental health issues are “mad”, they often get subjected to stigmatization and do not seek professional help. Mental health is one of the most ignored health issues in Africa and the most important one affecting millions all over the world. At Uzima ministries, we believe that addressing these misconceptions is essential for promoting understanding, reducing stigma, and encouraging individuals to seek help when they need it.
Our communities have limited knowledge of mental health issues. Most people think that mental illnesses mean someone has gone “mad”. They don’t know that mental health issues can be treated to recovery. People aren’t taught that mental health issues include epilepsy, psychosis, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Hoarding Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Substance Use Disorders, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Eating Disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among others.
We offer professional assistance to district health centers to extend mental health services to even those ignorant of them, train medical personnel to handle patients with mental sicknesses, and remove the stigma surrounding the disease that is harming the people including the vulnerable youth who are privy to falling into wrong lifestyle choices.
Feel free to reach out to us anytime. Our team is here to assist you with any questions, concerns, or inquiries you may have.
A: At Uzima Ministries, we are deeply committed to nurturing the mental health of young people. During our programs, we provide age-appropriate counseling and engage in activities that empower children and youth with essential mental health skills and values. Together, we create a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive emotionally and mentally.
A: Our mission extends beyond treatment. We actively work to dispel misconceptions and stigmas surrounding youth and children's mental health in Uganda and Africa. Through innovative programs, like our School Mental Health & Wellness initiatives, we counsel and engage students, teachers, and parents in mental health competitions. This helps raise awareness, fight stigma, and build a more supportive community for the well-being of our youth.
A: We encourage parents and schools to join hands with us in supporting youth mental health. Uzima Ministries offers resources, guidance, and partnerships to help schools create mental health-friendly environments. We also welcome parents to participate and stay engaged with their children's mental health journey. Together, we can build a brighter future for our youth.
