Country Profile
Uganda
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Are You In A Crisis Right Now?
Uganda
Is Suicide Decriminalised?
Has the country decriminalised suicide, with clear legal frameworks and policy positions?
No
Are Crisis Lines Available?
Is free, confidential support from a helpline or hotline available? Status provided by find a helpline.
Yes
National Suicide Prevention Strategy?
Is there a national suicide prevention strategy, such as from the WHO, and does include decriminalisation, if known?
No
Population in Need of Support Per Year
Based on the WHO likely attempted suicide rate.
As a calculation of population size against suicide rate
Strength Of Support (Local Qualitative Assessment)
Population
Suicide Rate Per 100K Per Year, all Sexes (SDG 3.4.2)
per 100,000
WHO 2019 for SDG 3.4.2. Global average 1 per 100,000
Suicide Deaths Per Year (By Population)
per annum
As a calculation of population size against suicide rate
Uganda, officially known as the Republic of Uganda, is located in East Africa. The diverse landscape includes lush forests, sprawling savannas, and the world-famous Lake Victoria - the source of the Nile.
Uganda is home to the Baganda, Banyankole, and Acholi people. Their religious makeup is primarily Christian, mainly Catholic and Anglican. A notable minority also practise Islam. The coexistence of these faiths, along with indigenous belief systems, adds to Uganda's distinctive cultural identity.
The legal system in Uganda is a combination of Customary Law, Common Law and Islamic law (Sharia) when all the parties are of the same faith. These legal systems often overlap, especially concerning family, marriage, and inheritance.
Like many nations, Uganda inherited colonial-era laws from the United Kingdom. Among these are laws against Attempting Suicide, decriminalised in England in 1961, but still on the statute books in Uganda. Section 210 of The Penal Code categorises attempted suicide as a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the decriminalisation of suicide and suicide attempts. Finding out more and removing such laws removes stigma and allows avenues for providing appropriate mental health support to individuals in crisis.
Criminalising suicide punishes distress. Decriminalising suicide saves lives.
This country profile has been compiled from available research and verified as well as possible. If you wish to supply clarifications, updates, feedback, facts or data, please use the Contact Us form on this page. And if you want your country to take ownership of managing and sharing this information, and progress being made, please register your interest in participating via our Get Involved form.
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