BasicNeeds has an ethos of promoting independence and empowerment and, hence, is delighted that in September 2010, the Uganda programme started the process of a formal transition into an independent Ugandan organization. The full handover from BasicNeeds in the UK will take place by the end of  2011.  This marks the beginning of an important new chapter for the improvement of mental health practice in Uganda.

The three founding board members of  the newly independent organization, supported by the Country Programme Manager registered the independent organization under the name BasicNeeds Foundation Uganda (BNFU). Five other members have been added to the board, a founding strategy has been developed and proved, and systems for finance, procurement and human resources have also been reviewed and adapted to suit the local organization.

BasicNeeds Foundation Uganda continues to implement the model for mental health and development aimed at changing knowledge, attitude and practice towards mental health. The model has already proven successful in over 12 districts in Uganda; including Masaka, Kanungu, Lwengo and Bukomansimbi (all former Masaka), Sembabule, Hoima, Buliisa, Kaberamaido, Amuria, Serere, Soroti and Kampala (in 3 divisions, Rubaga, Kawempe and Nakawa) with communities, local governments and health providers to enhance mental health service delivery and development.

BNFU vision is to see that the quality of life of people with lived experience of mental ill health in Uganda is improved.  The BNFU mission is to ensure that Ugandans with lived experience of mental ill health are engaged in the governance and management of economic, political, social development programs.

And as a member of the BasicNeeds family, the purpose remains to see people with disorders and epilepsy and their carers living and working successfully in their communities.

BNFU works closely with government structures and other local organizations to ensure that laws that are relevant to mental health have a direct bearing on the life of people with mental ill health. To visit the new Basic Needs Foundation Page please follow the link below http://www.bnfuganda.org

BNFU’s latest project which is implemented in partnership with BasicNeeds, Trans-cultural Psychosocial Organization and Information for Youth Empowerment Programme is funded by the Department For International Development and covers three Districts in northern Uganda; Amuru, Oyam and Nwoya. All three have in some way or another experienced the effects of the War in the North. The project titled From Victims to Victors and targets Orphans and Vulnerable Youth. The project is designed to support recovery and resettlement in Northern Uganda and reduce long term impacts of mental health on children and youth in formerly war torn areas.

The aim is to change more lives in the way that Charles, aged 32, describes in his own words how his life has improved:  “When my illness was severe, people in our community used to abuse me. Thanks to BasicNeeds, I now get regular access to treatment and my condition is improving. People no longer abuse me.”

BasicNeeds Foundation Uganda (BNFU)
Tina Ntulo
Plot 22-24 Semawata Road
Ntinda, Kampala
P.O. Box 29582
Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256 312 202 402