World Suicide Prevention Month: A Call for Urgent Action on Suicide Prevention and Substance Abuse

As the world observes Suicide Prevention Awareness Month this September, we are calling on communities, families, and leaders to break the silence surrounding suicide and substance abuse, two interconnected crises threatening lives in Northern Uganda.

Recent national data paints a concerning picture:

• Uganda recorded 218 suicide cases in 2024, up from 165 in 2023.

• More than 272,000 suicide attempts and ideations were reported in the past decade, with young people aged 10 - 24 most affected.

• Uganda's per-capita alcohol consumption ranks among the highest in Africa, at 12.2 liters per person annually.

• People with substance-related disorders are over four times more likely to attempt suicide than those without.

These numbers are not just statistics, they are our brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters. Everyday we see how alcohol and drug misuse intensifies depression, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts. Recovery and Prevention must go hand in hand.

PACTA as a leading addiction treatment and rehabilitation initiative in Northern Uganda, is stepping up efforts to:

• Provide counselling and rehabilitation services for people struggling with addiction.

• Offer suicide risk assessments alongside addiction treatment.

• Train communities in early intervention and peer support through sobriety clubs in schools.

• Partner with faith leaders and families to promote hope, healing, and resilience.

We urge;

• Families to talk openly about addiction and mental health.

• Communities to replace stigma with compassion.

• Leaders and Policymakers to increase support for mental health and addiction recovery services.

Suicide is preventable. Addiction is treatable. Hope is possible. This September, let us unite to save lives and restore dignity in Northern Uganda and our society.