Every year, Psychology students at Makerere University graduate with strong theory. Far fewer leave knowing how to turn it into a programme, a campaign, a research project or a peer support group. Jobs are scarce, and waiting for someone to hand you a role can take years. Meanwhile, mental health awareness in Uganda is still low, and stigma keeps many young people silent.

On 2 October 2026, Vital Minds Initiative Uganda (VMI Uganda), in partnership with the School of Psychology, hosted Beyond the Lecture Room: A Students’ Convening on Mental Health Leadership & Impact at Makerere University Main Hall. 127 students and guests came to ask a simple question: what can we do with what we are learning, starting now?

We were honoured to host Dr. Rosco Kasujja, Head of the Department of Mental Health and Community Psychology, and Dr. Martin Baluku of the School of Psychology. Our keynote speakers were Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, Paediatrician and Adolescent Medicine Specialist, and Dr. Martin Bakundana, Founder and CEO of LEM Mindfulness.

What students heard

The speakers returned to one message: you do not have to wait for a job to start solving a problem.

Start before you feel ready. Know what you want, find who can help, and begin small.

Ask a different question. Instead of “what job can I get?”, ask “what problem can I solve?”

Care for the carer. Dr. Kitaka spoke about helper syndrome in Psychology students, healthy boundaries and forgiveness.

Be visible. Your digital footprint speaks before you do, so make your work easy to find.

Build early. Connect with leaders, volunteer to learn, and grow your soft skills while still on campus.

Voices from young leaders

The panel brought together young professionals who built initiatives from their own knowledge instead of waiting for formal employment. They spoke honestly about their first steps, setbacks and burnout, how to start with little or no funding, how to stay ethical and within your scope, and how to keep an initiative going beyond its founders.

What the students asked

The questions showed what young people need. Students asked when to begin a Master’s degree, which skills to build while still on campus, how to be recognised as professionals, and which business models can let them earn a living while serving in mental health. These are questions about building a future in the field, and few spaces exist where students can ask them openly.

 

Why this matters

Beyond the Lecture Room is part of VMI Uganda’s work to build youth mental health leadership, not just awareness. Psychology students are Uganda’s next mental health workforce, and this convening is one way we are helping them lead.

With thanks

We thank the School of Psychology for partnering with us. We also thank Psalms Food Industries Limited, who kept everyone energised with Sumz Snacks and gifted hampers to our keynote speakers and panelists, and Indomie Uganda, who sponsored hampers for our keynote speakers and the student leaders who helped mobilise their peers.

Grow Minds, Grow Futures.