Daniel Mugula
Mon,9,Nov 2026
KAMPALA – The Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Ssemogerere, has urged the Catholic Church to strengthen the use of existing counselling and spiritual guidance structures to address mental health challenges among young people and the elderly.
He said the Church should encourage Christians to seek counselling, spiritual direction and support from trusted people rather than suffer silently, noting that many mental health challenges are worsened by loneliness and the lack of people willing to listen.
Ssemogerere made the remarks on Monday while addressing journalists at St Augustine Institute, Nsambya, ahead of the forthcoming National Youth Convention, which is expected to bring together young people from across Uganda and beyond.
He said the Church had already established structures to support people facing emotional, psychological and spiritual challenges, including training priests and other Church personnel to provide counselling and spiritual guidance. However, he noted that the effectiveness of these initiatives depends on how well Christians utilise them.
“The only thing is how we have used these systems well. The Church trains priests and other people to handle some of these issues by providing opportunities for counselling and spiritual direction,” Ssemwogerere said.
He encouraged young people to develop open conversations with family members, friends and mentors, adding that choosing positive peer relationships can help individuals navigate difficult situations.
The Archbishop observed that some people experience mental health challenges because they lack someone willing to listen to their concerns.
He urged Christians not to isolate people experiencing difficulties but instead help them find appropriate support.
“You should not suffer alone. Sometimes a person becomes mentally unwell because they have failed to find someone to listen to them. We have trained people in the Church who can handle such issues,” he said.
He added that supporting someone in distress is also a Christian responsibility, emphasising that Christ can work through friends, neighbours and other people who offer genuine assistance.
Ssemogerere also cautioned against the misuse of modern technology, saying innovations should promote human dignity and improve people’s lives rather than undermine their value.
He said technology should be guided by wisdom and used for the good of humanity, warning against practices that dehumanise people or treat them as commodities.
The Archbishop further called on Church leaders to listen to young people and involve them in discussions and decisions affecting their lives.
He said the forthcoming convention would provide an opportunity for young people to express their concerns, share their experiences and suggest solutions to challenges affecting their communities.
Ssemogerere said the Church should not only invite young people to ask questions but also give them an opportunity to explain how they feel and what they believe should be done.
He noted that Uganda’s youthful population presents an important opportunity for national development, adding that young people possess the energy, knowledge and creativity needed to contribute to leadership and social transformation.
He also encouraged young people to embrace responsible leadership through mentorship and collaboration with experienced leaders.
The Archbishop said the convention would bring together young people, bishops, Catholic school representatives and other prominent personalities to discuss issues affecting the youth and explore ways of empowering them.
He explained that the gathering would be guided by the theme “Take Courage,” which calls on young people to draw inspiration from Jesus Christ’s courage, love, reconciliation and commitment to bringing life to others.
He clarified that the call to courage should not be interpreted as an encouragement to engage in confrontation or risky behaviour, but rather as an invitation to promote love, peace, reconciliation and positive change.
The convention will also embrace the spirit of solidarity associated with the late Pope Francis, which emphasises working together, listening to one another and journeying together as one community.
As part of the preparations, a pilgrim cross has been moving through parishes across the Kampala Archdiocese, providing an opportunity for young people to gather, receive information about the convention and raise issues they would like addressed.
Ssemogerere said the cross was at Gaba Parish at the time of the briefing and would eventually be taken to the YES Centre, where it will serve as one of the key symbols of the convention.
He said organisers were making arrangements to ensure participants from different parts of the country are accommodated, including providing translators to help those who may face language barriers.
The Archbishop invited young people from across Uganda and neighbouring countries to attend, assuring them that arrangements had been made to provide guidance, security and assistance throughout the gathering.
He said the venue is located on Nsambya Hill, with participants advised to use Nsambya Hospital as a key landmark before proceeding towards the YES Centre.
The National Youth Convention is expected to provide a platform for young people to engage Church leaders, share their experiences and contribute ideas on mental health, leadership, faith and other issues affecting their generation.
