Kampala — Reach A Hand Africa (formerly Reach A Hand Uganda) has launched a year-long, student-focused campaign aimed at promoting the well-being of young people across the country. The “Be Better” initiative was officially unveiled on August 12, 2026, during a school outreach event at Namiryango Secondary School in Mukono.
The campaign is a direct response to a survey conducted by Reach A Hand across 27 schools in Kampala, Mukono, Rwampara, and Kasese. The study revealed that students face significant challenges, including low self-esteem, self-doubt, poor emotional well-being, difficulty making positive decisions, and limited personal accountability.
Social pressures, including bullying, teasing, and unhealthy relationships, were also identified as major factors affecting students’ well-being.
These challenges reflect wider national concerns regarding mental health. The State of Uganda Population Report 2025 by the Ministry of Health declared mental health a silent emergency in Uganda, estimating that approximately 24.2% of adults and 22.9% of children are affected by mental health conditions. The report highlights that fewer than one in ten people in need of care receive appropriate support.
Globally, a 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) report, based on survey data from nearly 280,000 young people aged 11, 13, and 15 across 44 countries and regions, highlighted rising school pressure and declining family and peer support. The WHO specifically linked these trends to adolescent mental health and well-being, calling for action on the social determinants affecting young people.
The “Be Better” campaign will run until the end of the third term of 2026. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of actively caring for one’s overall well-being by fostering a culture of kindness and self-improvement among the youth.
“By continuously curating these initiatives, we aim to contribute to the national development agenda contained in the NDP IV, empowering young people as drivers of economic growth and supporting global development aspirations such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Humphrey Nabimanya, CEO of Reach A Hand, Africa.
These efforts align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including good health and well-being, quality education, peace, justice and strong institutions, reduced inequality, and decent work and economic growth.
Leveraging school outreach programs, these sensitization efforts will be implemented through student challenges, film screenings, and youth activities.
“Our initiatives will include Beat Hubs, the Be Better challenges, a student short film initiative, poetry, student-led social media challenges, podcasts, storytelling, and school policy dialogues. This will create a student-led movement that promotes positive change while emphasizing confidence and empathy,” explained Shantal Katana, Lead Gen Z at RAHA.