A mental health expert says district-level rehabilitation facilities would help young people struggling with substance abuse access professional treatment closer to home.
Health experts in Ibanda District are calling on the government to establish rehabilitation centres at district level to improve access to treatment for people affected by drug and substance abuse, particularly young people.
The appeal comes amid security concerns in the district, where at least 11 murder cases were reportedly recorded over three months. However, the extent to which substance abuse may be linked to the killings has not been established.
Dr Innocent Mujuni, a mental health expert and councillor, says government-supported rehabilitation centres would enable young people experiencing substance-related problems and mental health challenges to receive professional help closer to their communities.
“There is a need to establish more government rehabilitation centres at the district level so that young people who abuse intoxicating substances can seek help whenever they experience mental health challenges,” Mujuni says.
He says access to appropriate treatment remains a challenge for some young people affected by substance abuse because rehabilitation facilities are not readily available.
“Many young people are experiencing mental health challenges associated with drug abuse, but they often have nowhere to turn for assistance because rehabilitation centres are not readily available,” he adds.
Mujuni says expanding rehabilitation services would give affected individuals access to professional care and support their recovery and reintegration into their communities.
The call comes after the world marked World Mental Health Day on October 10 under the 2026 theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”
The World Health Organization says this year’s campaign emphasises the importance of involving people with lived experience of mental health conditions in shaping policies, services and decisions that affect their lives. It also highlights the need for more person-centred, community-based mental health care. <Cite refs={["turn397461search0","turn397461search3"]}/>
Health experts say expanding rehabilitation services at district level could help address gaps in access to treatment and support for young people affected by substance abuse.