Luuka District | 7th August 2025 — In a continued effort to promote teacher wellbeing, the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) conducted a mental health training for school leaders in Luuka District. The session focused on raising awareness and equipping head teachers with tools to address mental health challenges affecting educators.
Held at Hawaii International Hotel, the training brought together head teachers from both the primary and secondary school sectors across the district. This session follows a recent mental health training in Namayingo, marking a broader campaign by UNATU to integrate mental health support into teacher development nationwide.
The day opened with welcome remarks from the Luuka Branch Executive Chairperson, who emphasized the union’s commitment to addressing the mental and emotional wellbeing of its members. The Chairperson of Head Teachers in Luuka also highlighted the relevance of the topic, noting the increasing pressures faced by school leaders.
Remarks were also shared by key district stakeholders, including the Human Resource Officer and the District Education Officer (DEO). The Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) officially opened the session on behalf of the CAO, commending UNATU for taking a proactive approach to teacher welfare.
The main presentation was delivered by the General Secretary of UNATU, who led a detailed session on mental health and psychosocial support. Topics covered included stress, depression, alcohol and substance abuse, and the importance of structured psychosocial support systems for teachers.
A plenary session followed, providing participants with an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and receive updates on current union activities. The interactive discussion allowed for open dialogue around both personal and professional challenges.
“Supporting teachers’ mental health is not a luxury — it’s a necessity for effective learning environments,” said the UNATU General Secretary during his closing remarks.
The training officially concluded with a call for continued collaboration between the union, school leaders, and district officials to sustain mental health support for teachers across all regions.
