KAMPALA, Uganda | Judge Mike Chibita of the Supreme Court has expressed concern about the escalating mental health crisis among Uganda’s legal profession, describing it as a serious issue that requires institutional and individual accountability.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the three-day symposium organised by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which brought together Uganda’s justice sector, legal experts, and prosecutors, Justice Chibita made the remarks.

“Mental health issues in the workplace have become much more prevalent than they were when we were students or just starting our careers, so we need to take deliberate steps to address them.””Justice Chibita said

Chibita advised prosecutors to pursue both professional and personal development holistically, drawing on his background as the former Director of Public Prosecutions.

His message was to “strive to be a better parent, a better prosecutor, and a better employee.” He emphasised the importance of honesty, compassion, and discipline. referring to biblical teachings and the book of Ecclesiastes.

“There is time for everything,” Justice Chibita said, highlighting the importance of patience.

He further reminded the prosecutors that time is of the essence, even in the pursuit of justice, by citing the example of how they had to wait ten years to apprehend the suspected killers of their colleague, Joan Kagezi, in 2015.

He also advised them to maximise their time by learning new skills, like driving, swimming, or any other skill, instead of squandering it on unfulfilled dreams of better careers, better spouses, or other objectives.

According to a Uganda Law Society report, symptoms of work-related stress and burnout were reported by over 60% of practicing solicitors, and nearly one in three admitted to having gone through extended periods of anxiety or depression while practicing law.