Strengthening Community-Centered Mental Health and Psycho-social Support Systems for Refugee and Host Communities in Uganda

This project strengthens the capacity of Ugandan Higher Education Institutions (HEis), in partnership with Flemish HEis, to act as sustainable drivers of community-centred Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for refugee and host populations. Addressing gaps in locally grounded and accessible MHPSS, it applies a Living Lab approach that connects HEis, communities, grassroots and civil society organisations, and policymakers in a collaborative ecosystem. Structural stakeholder engagement, participatory research and co-production of knowledge, and coordinated development of a short course advances evidence-informed, task-sharing MHPSS tailored to local realities. By building strong partnerships, enhancing institutional capacities and leveraging community assets, the project accelerates localisation of MHPSS systems. It reinforces the role of HEis in refugee-response governance and contributes to more inclusive health systems aligned with national and global priorities.