By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
MBARARA
The Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Mbarara Campus has successfully hosted its 5th Mental Health Fire Camp, an initiative aimed at promoting student wellness and resilience.
The camp opened with mind-relieving and team-building games, including a rope challenge where students, blindfolded, worked together to form a perfect square. The activity set the tone for a night of reflection, bonding, and mental health awareness.
Guild President applauded the campus mental health club for sustaining the initiative, urging fellow students to prioritize their mental well-being, especially as end-of-semester exams approach. “Do not die alone, always share with a friend to avoid depression,” he emphasized.
Campus Chief Professor Richard Akisimire praised the psychosocial worker and counselor for championing mental health. Calling himself “the students’ servant,” he reminded participants that mental illness is real and must be faced with courage and support. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he said: “It doesn’t matter how many times you fall, but how many times you rise when you fall.” He encouraged students to build lasting networks of friendship and pledged management’s support, noting past cases of attempted suicide.
Campus Counselor Clare Ntoreine expressed joy at the camp’s growth, from a single tent to three tents filled with students. She likened the fire to a symbol of warmth and safety, urging students to use the experience as a reminder to seek help early. “Depression is a pit where no one can see you. It’s up to you to call for help so someone can help you climb out,” she said. Ntorine also highlighted family pressures that often push students into unwanted courses, pledging to mediate between students and parents.
She warned against the phrase “I am fine,” which often masks deeper struggles, and called on lecturers to notice performance drops as potential signs of distress.
Guest speaker Wilbroad Kabagambe, clinical psychologist and founder of Alive Again Foundation, reinforced the message that mental health matters.
“Mental illnesses are like any other illnesses. They do not discriminate, we have seen even well-known people fall victim,” he said.
Kabagambe commended MUBS for sustaining an active mental health club and encouraged students to register it as a community-based organization or NGO to attract funding and expand activities.
The camp closed with renewed commitment from students, counselors, and management to keep mental health conversations alive. The fire’s glow symbolized hope, resilience, and the collective responsibility to support one another.
