African Summit on Suicide Prevention 2026

Important update · 21 October 2026

Day three of the Summit has been cancelled

Due to unavoidable circumstances and the occurrence of two important events within the same mental health space, we have had to adjourn the Summit. There will be no sessions at Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Wednesday 21 October 2026.

We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this decision may cause, especially to those who may not receive this communication in time and could be inconvenienced tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, we were left with no other option under the circumstances.

Kindly share this information with anyone else you know who may be affected.

Questions? Email the team
African Summit on Suicide Prevention 2026: official logo

Agenda

Three days at Sheraton Kampala Hotel moving prevention from silence to action: policy and governance, evidence and practice, community, culture and lived experience.

19–21 October 2026 · Kampala, Uganda

Day one

Monday 19 October

Sheraton Kampala Hotel

  1. 8:00–8:30am

    Arrival and participant registration

    Bonita and team

  2. 8:30–8:45am

    Traditional dance procession

    Cultural troupe, welcoming delegates

  3. 8:45–9:35am

    Summit opening ceremony

    MC: Freeman · Introduction, opening prayer and national anthems

    1. 8:45am

      Opening remarks and host welcome

      Organising Committee: Faith Agumya

    2. 8:50am

      Opening remarks

      Parliament of Uganda

    3. 8:55am

      Keynote address

      World Health Organization

    4. 9:00am

      Address from the Ministry of Health, Uganda

      MOH Uganda representative

    5. 9:05am

      Address from UPMHF

      Hon. Rose Obigah

    6. 9:10am

      Address from the ASPA President

      Dr Foday Sarr

    7. 9:15am

      Address from Africa CDC

      Hon. Jan K

    8. 9:20am

      International delegate address

      IASP Board Member Merab Mulindi

    9. 9:25am

      Guest of Honour address

      P/S Hon. Nabbanja

    10. 9:30am

      Creative interlude

      Poem by Shatra

  4. 9:35–10:30am

    Panel discussion and Q&A

    Policy, Legislation and Governance for Suicide Prevention

    Strengthening policy frameworks, legislation, multisectoral coordination and accountability for sustainable suicide prevention across Africa.

    Moderator

    Mr Joseph Tahinduka

    Panellists

    • Hon. Siranda
    • Hon. Olouch, Kenya
    • Mrs Ogunleye Grace, National Mental Health Programme (MOH), Nigeria
    • Member of Parliament, The Gambia
    • Head of Mental Health (MOH), Rwanda
    • Ms Faith Agumya

    Expected outcome

    A set of priority policy and governance recommendations for Uganda and other participating countries, identifying practical steps to strengthen national suicide prevention strategies, intersectoral coordination and accountability.

  5. 10:30–11:00am

    Coffee and tea break

  6. 11:00–11:05am

    Creative interlude

    Poem by Lusutta

  7. 11:05–11:10am

    Informative video on suicide statistics

    Dr Bergina Isbell

  8. 11:10–11:20am

    Presentation from ASPA Uganda

    Dr Annie Pink

  9. 11:20am–12:10pm

    Panel discussion

    Mobilising Philanthropy, Civil Society and Community Action for Suicide Prevention

    Exploring the roles of philanthropists, NGOs, community activists, donors and development partners in financing, advocating for and delivering sustainable suicide prevention initiatives.

    Moderator

    Dr Innocent Ayesiga

    Panellists

    • CivSource: Jackie Asiimwe
    • World Health Organization
    • Mental Health Working Group representative
    • UNFPA
    • Youth: Dickson Mbonye
    • Red Cross Society

    Expected outcome

    A proposed partnership and resource-mobilisation framework that identifies potential collaborators, funding and in-kind support opportunities, and priority community-led actions for follow-up after the summit.

  10. 12:10–12:50pm

    Oral presentations

    Abstract chair: Dr Innocent Ayesiga

    1. 12:10pm

      Abstract review process and results: how and why abstracts were selected

      Dr Innocent Ayesiga

    2. 12:20pm

      Exploring Suicide and Mental Health Perceptions and Experiences among Older Women in Ghana

      Priscilla Osei-Bonsu · Ghana

    3. 12:30pm

      Burden of Lifetime Suicidal Ideation and Psychosocial Factors among Undergraduate Students at the University of Eswatini

      Nhlabatsi Dlamini · Eswatini

    4. 12:40pm

      Social Connectedness, Loneliness and Suicidality among Older People in Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda

      Moses Muwanguzi · Uganda

  11. 1:00–2:00pm

    Lunch break

    Followed by a creative music interlude

  12. 2:00–3:00pm

    Partnerships for Life workshop

    Partnerships for Life: From Criminalisation to Compassion in Africa

    Moderator

    Prof Joseph Osafo

    Panellists

    • Priscilla Osei-Bonsu
    • Mr Foday
    • ASPA representative
    • ASPA representative

  13. 3:00–3:20pm

    Oral abstract presentations

    Moderator: Prof Joseph Osafo

    1. 3:00pm

      From Attempts to Fatalities: Surveillance of Suicide Trends and Emerging Risk Factors in a Refugee Settlement in Uganda, 2022–2025. Case study from Kyaka II

      Bwete Damyano · Uganda

    2. 3:10pm

      Stakeholder Perspectives on Suicidal Behaviour and Community-Informed Opportunities for Suicide Prevention in Rural Uganda: A Qualitative Study

      Herbert Ainamani · Uganda

  14. 3:20–3:30pm

    Creative interlude

  15. 3:30–4:30pm

    Panel discussion

    The Role of Faith-Based and Cultural Institutions in Suicide Prevention

    Strengthening the role of religious leaders, faith communities, traditional and cultural institutions in reducing stigma, fostering hope, recognising distress, facilitating timely referrals and building supportive communities.

    Panellists

    • Rev. Fr. Cephas (Catholic Diocese, Tanzania)
    • Monarch (kingdom or cultural) leader
    • Sheikh / Islamic faith leader
    • Christian faith leader
    • Lived experience

    Expected outcome

    A proposed engagement framework for faith-based and cultural institutions that supports compassionate, non-stigmatising responses, basic recognition of distress, safe referral to qualified services and collaboration with health and social care providers.

  16. 4:30–5:00pm

    Day one reflections, closing remarks and picture moment

    Poster presentations walkthrough and networking; departure at will

Day two

Tuesday 20 October

Sheraton Kampala Hotel

  1. 8:00–8:30am

    Arrival and participant registration

    Bonita and team

  2. 8:30–9:24am

    Welcome and ministerial addresses

    MC

    1. 8:30am

      Welcoming remarks and reflections from day one

      MC and rapporteur

    2. 8:40am

      Address

      National Planning Authority, Uganda

    3. 8:47am

      Address

      Ministry of ICT

    4. 8:54am

      Address

      Ministry of Local Government

    5. 9:08am

      Address

      State Minister for Youth Affairs

    6. 9:16am

      Address

      Ministry of Internal Affairs

  3. 9:24–9:44am

    Abstract presentations

    Moderator: Dr Mohammed Auda

    1. 9:24am

      A Hybrid Peer-Led Digital Helpline and Community Reinforcement Model for Reducing Suicidal Ideation Among Youth with Substance Use Disorders in Southwestern Uganda: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial

      Enid Arinaitwe · Uganda

    2. 9:34am

      Gender-Responsive Psychosocial Support and Suicide Prevention Among Men in Eswatini

      Nosisa · Eswatini

  4. 9:44–9:50am

    Creative interlude

    Poem from Elly

  5. 9:50–10:50am

    Panel discussion and Q&A

    Suicide Prevention among Youth and Children

    Addressing the mental health needs, psychosocial risks, protective factors and lived experiences of children, adolescents and young adults through age-appropriate and youth-led interventions.

    Moderator

    Dr Elizabeth Ajalo

    Panellists

    • Dr Sabrina Kitaka
    • Ms Damalie
    • Child psychiatrist: Dr Aikimana Benedict
    • Lived experience
    • National Youth Council representative

    Expected outcome

    A child- and youth-centred prevention action agenda.

  6. 10:50–11:05am

    Coffee and tea break

  7. 11:05–11:15am

    Video presentation

    Dr Bergina Isbell

  8. 11:15–11:25am

    Pesticides presentation

    University of Edinburgh

  9. 11:25–11:35am

    Oral presentation

    Prof Joseph Osafo

  10. 11:35–11:55am

    Abstract presentations

    1. 11:35am

      Community-Based Suicide Prevention in Malawi: The Healing Process Model

      Tatha Kufeyani · Malawi

    2. 11:45am

      Talking About Suicide Doesn’t Cause Harm: Why That Matters for Starting the Conversation with Youth in Africa

      Marianne Bassing · USA

  11. 11:55am–12:00pm

    Creative interlude

  12. 12:00–1:00pm

    Panel discussion

    Building Safer Institutions: Suicide Prevention in Workplaces, Schools and Healthcare Settings

    Promoting psychologically safe environments, institutional mental health policies, early intervention, gatekeeper training and accessible support systems across educational, occupational and healthcare settings.

    Moderator

    Ms Grace Obalim

    Panellists

    • Ms Shalom
    • Dr Melanie Magoba
    • Federation of Workers representative
    • School counsellor representative
    • International delegate
    • Sports or insurance company representative

    Expected outcome

    An institutional suicide prevention implementation checklist.

  13. 1:00–2:00pm

    Lunch break

  14. 2:00–2:10pm

    Creative interlude

    Music interlude from Kamanzi

  15. 2:10–2:30pm

    Abstract presentations

    1. 2:10pm

      Building Community Suicide-Prevention Capacity in Uganda: Early Implementation Learning from a Gatekeeper Pilot and Planned Training-of-Trainers Pathway

      Evelyn Kharono · Uganda

    2. 2:20pm

      From Isolation to Collective Action: Peer Support Workers Championing Postvention Care for Psychiatric Survivors in Northern Uganda

      Nyeko Paul · Uganda

  16. 2:30–2:50pm

    Presentation

    Ripple Initiative

  17. 2:50–3:50pm

    Panel discussion

    Digital Innovation, AI and Social Media Impact on Suicide

    Examining how AI, digital platforms, social media, journalism and responsible media reporting can support early identification, help-seeking and public awareness while addressing digital risks and ethical concerns.

    Moderator

    Mwalimu Martin Amanya

    Panellists

    • Sauti 116
    • Serene MindCare
    • Wonder Junior
    • Phillip Mwebaze
    • Lived experience (student)

    Expected outcome

    Ethical digital and responsible media recommendations, and crisis helplines.

  18. 3:50–4:00pm

    Creative interlude

  19. 4:00–5:00pm

    Day two reflections, closing remarks and picture moment

    Poster presentations walkthrough and networking

  20. 7:00–9:00pm

    Workshop for selected participants

Day three

Wednesday 21 October

Sheraton Kampala Hotel

  1. 8:00–8:30am

    Arrival and participant registration

    Onboarding attendees and ticket clearance

  2. 8:30–8:40am

    Welcoming remarks and reflections from day two

    MC and rapporteur

  3. 8:40–8:50am

    Plenary: the value of working together with lived experience, academics and policy makers for suicide prevention

    ASPA

  4. 8:50–9:18am

    Abstract presentations and ministerial address

    1. 8:50am

      Integrating Suicidal Ideation Screening into Maternal Nutrition Services: An MHPSS-MAMI Implementation Model in Humanitarian Uganda

      Thomas Owondo · Uganda

    2. 9:00am

      Address

      Ministry of Gender

    3. 9:08am

      Trajectories of Suicidal Ideation During Six Ketamine Infusions: Real-World Clinical Outcomes from Rwanda

      Cindy Cassady · Rwanda

  5. 9:18–9:23am

    Creative interlude

  6. 9:23–10:23am

    Panel discussion

    HIV, Chronic Illness and Suicide Prevention

    Integrating mental health and suicide prevention into HIV care and chronic disease management, with attention to stigma, psychosocial distress, treatment burden and continuity of care.

    Moderator

    Jacqueline Muwanga

    Panellists

    • Dr Adebiyi Ogusanya
    • Dr Etheldreda
    • International delegate
    • Head, Lupus Association

    Expected outcome

    Recommendations for integrating suicide risk awareness, psychosocial support, timely assessment and referral into HIV and chronic illness services, in collaboration with people with lived experience.

  7. 10:23–10:45am

    Coffee and tea break

  8. 10:45–10:55am

    Creative interlude

  9. 10:55–11:10am

    Reflections from the Partnerships for Life workshop

    Prof Joseph Osafo, with participants selected from the workshop

  10. 11:10–11:30am

    Abstract presentations

    1. 11:10am

      Running for Hope: The Gulu Mental Health 10KM Run as a Community-Driven, Nationally Recognised Platform for Suicide Prevention and Stigma Reduction in Northern Uganda

      Nyeko Paul · Uganda

    2. 11:20am

      District Health Management Teams as Champions for Implementing the WHO LIVE LIFE Suicide Prevention Framework in Rural Uganda: A Pre-Implementation Qualitative Study

      Samantha Mary · Uganda

  11. 11:30am–12:30pm

    Panel discussion

    Disability-Inclusive Suicide Prevention: Advancing Equity, Accessibility and Participation

    Addressing the mental health needs and barriers experienced by persons with disabilities, while advancing accessible services, inclusive policies, protection from discrimination and meaningful participation in suicide prevention efforts.

    Moderator

    Nusula Nakato

    Panellists

    • NUDIPU
    • John Kamulegeya
    • International delegate
    • Association of People Living with Disability

    Expected outcome

    A disability-inclusion action statement identifying practical accessibility standards, reasonable accommodations, anti-stigma measures and the involvement of organisations of persons with disabilities in programme design and implementation.

  12. 12:30–1:00pm

    Poster presentation walkthroughs and networking

  13. 1:00–2:00pm

    Lunch break

  14. 2:00–2:15pm

    Creative interlude

    Gerry Opoka

  15. 2:15–3:15pm

    Panel discussion

    The Role of the Creative Arts, Culture and Heritage in Suicide Prevention

    Exploring the role of visual arts, music, dance, storytelling, poetry and culturally grounded creative expression in promoting emotional wellbeing, resilience, connection and recovery.

    Moderator

    FacesUp / Kiggundu Arts Studio

    Panellists

    • Film maker, USA
    • Ms Tracy Kababiito
    • Musicians’ Federation, Uganda
    • Lived experience: Etania

    Expected outcome

    A portfolio of adaptable, culturally responsive arts-based and community storytelling approaches for suicide prevention and mental wellbeing, with suggestions for piloting, documenting and evaluating promising initiatives.

  16. 3:15–4:00pm

    Official signing and closing ceremony

    MC

    1. 3:15pm

      Unveiling of the next steps and calls to action

      ASPA

    2. 3:25pm

      Cake cutting

      Sheraton Hotel

    3. 3:35pm

      Closing remarks

      ASPA Uganda

    4. 3:45pm

      Post-summit action plan signing and photography moment

      ASPA and UPMHF

    Expected outcome

    Agreed recommendations, partnership opportunities, priority actions and proposed post-summit follow-up mechanisms.

  17. 4:00–5:00pm

    Exhibition walkthrough, networking and departure

Timings may still shift.

Registered delegates receive programme updates directly, including any confirmed changes to sessions and contributors.

Register for updates

Help move prevention from silence to action

Join us at Sheraton Kampala Hotel, 19–21 October 2026.

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