21–22 October 2026 · Kampala, Uganda

East African
Mental Health
Summit 2026

Shaping the Future of Mental Health in East Africa.

From Conversation to Action.

HOPE
WELLBEING
RESILIENCE
East African Mental Health Summit
CONNECTION
CLARITY
HEALING

About the Summit

The East African Mental Health Summit is a regional platform bringing together governments, professionals, communities, researchers, advocates, organizations and partners to shape the future of mental health in East Africa.

Human

People before institutions. We center lived experiences and community voices.

Hopeful

Mental health is about possibility and recovery. We champion optimism.

Collaborative

Different sectors working together for lasting change across the region.

Progressive

Focused on bold ideas, innovation and systemic change in mental healthcare.

Conference Theme

Mental Health:
Our Region, Our Future

This year's summit explores how East African nations can collaboratively build sustainable, culturally-relevant mental health systems. We focus on turning conversations into concrete action — from policy reform to community-based interventions.

Policy ReformCommunity CareYouth Mental HealthResearchDigital HealthAdvocacyWorkforce Development
500+
Expected Delegates
50+
Expert Speakers
8
Partner Countries
2
Days of Impact

Who Should Attend

The summit welcomes all stakeholders committed to advancing mental health across East Africa.

Government Officials

Policymakers and ministry leaders shaping mental health legislation.

Researchers & Academics

Scholars advancing evidence-based mental health interventions.

Mental Health Professionals

Psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers.

NGOs & Civil Society

Organizations driving community-based mental health programs.

Youth & Community Leaders

Young advocates and grassroots leaders championing change.

Private Sector & Donors

Corporate partners and funders supporting mental health initiatives.

Featured Speakers

Learn from leading voices in mental health across the region.

View All Speakers
Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi
Keynote Speaker

Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi

Minister of Health

Republic of Uganda

Dr. Amara Osei
Speaker

Dr. Amara Osei

Director of Mental Health

WHO Africa Region

Prof. James Kariuki
Panelist

Prof. James Kariuki

Professor of Psychiatry

University of Nairobi

Dr. Fatima Hassan
Speaker

Dr. Fatima Hassan

Community Health Lead

StrongMinds

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21–22 October 2026 · Kampala, Uganda

Collaborators & Sponsors

Our Partners

Working collaboratively to advance mental health support and advocacy across East Africa.

Organising Partners

StrongMinds
Main Organizer

StrongMinds

Providing leadership and core summit governance.

Ministry of Health, Uganda
Co-Host

Ministry of Health, Uganda

Providing leadership and core summit governance.

Strategic Partners

Makerere University
Strategic Partner

Makerere University

Medecins Sans Frontieres
Strategic Partner

Medecins Sans Frontieres

Africa Retreat Centre
Strategic Partner

Africa Retreat Centre

Supporting Partners

Grand Challenges
Grand ChallengesSupporting Partner
Makerere University
Makerere UniversitySupporting Partner
Mental Health Uganda
Mental Health UgandaSupporting Partner
African Brain Initiative
African Brain InitiativeSupporting Partner

Ready to Join?

Secure your spot at the largest mental health gathering in East Africa. Early bird pricing available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the summit.