Who we are

Refugee Mental Health Network (RMHN) is a refugee-led, women-led organization advancing mental health and wellbeing among refugee communities in Uganda.

We work alongside refugee communities to make mental health support more accessible, culturally responsive, and rooted in dignity. Our work includes mental health awareness and education, counselling, group support, community-based interventions, and advocacy, with a particular focus on refugee women and young people.

We believe that communities are not simply recipients of support—they are partners in shaping the solutions that affect their lives. Before we act, we listen always, using community experiences and voices to guide our work and strengthen pathways to healing and resilience.

Currently, RMHN works in two locations: Kampala and Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement. As we grow, our goal is to expand our services across all 13 refugee-hosting districts in Uganda, ensuring that more refugee communities can access meaningful mental health support.

Beyond Uganda, we envision a future where RMHN contributes to a stronger mental health response for refugees across refugee-hosting countries throughout Africa, helping make mental health an integral part of protection, recovery, and rebuilding lives.

Restoring hope. Rebuilding lives

About twenty workshop participants pose together indoors, some seated and some standing, in front of an RMHN banner.

Our mission

To provide accessible, culturally relevant, and trauma-informed mental health support for refugees and host communities in Uganda through therapy, yoga and practical education while empowering communities to heal, advocate, and rebuild their lives.

Our vision

A world where every refugee and host community member has access to the support they need to heal, thrive and reach their full potential.

Our story

Since 2021, built by the people it serves.

  1. 2021

    Founded in Kampala

    Started by refugee women, so that support exists in the languages and on the terms the community uses. [TBC]

  2. TBC

    Community sessions and trainings across Kampala

    Counselling, group support and healing circles. [TBC] RMHN to confirm what happened in which year.

  3. TBC

    Research and school programs

    Qualitative research in Kampala, and mental health work inside schools. [TBC]

Milestone years after 2021 are still being confirmed.

Our approach

  • Survivor-centred

    The person decides what they need, at the pace they need it.

  • Gender-responsive

    Services built around what women and girls actually face.

  • Locally led

    Refugees lead the work, so support arrives in the right language and the right way.

  • Culturally sensitive

    [TBC]

  • Healing-centred

    [TBC]

Why our work matters

Refugees in Uganda face high levels of psychological distress driven by displacement, conflict, gender-based violence, poverty and prolonged uncertainty. Access to affordable, culturally appropriate, gender-responsive mental health services remains limited. RMHN fills this gap with refugee-led, community-rooted support.

Our values

Five commitments that shape how we work with every person who reaches us.

  • Compassion

    We care and act with kindness.

  • Empathy

    We listen and respond with understanding.

  • Cultural Sensitivity

    We honour and adapt to each individual's background.

  • Inclusivity

    We create safe, respectful spaces for all.

  • Empowerment

    We build capacity and confidence in those we serve.

Team & Board

The people who run RMHN, and the board that holds it to account.

Impact & Reports

What the work has reached, and the research behind it.