Discussions on the Mental Health Bill began yesterday in the National Assembly, with several MPs raising concerns about clauses needing amendment.
AR Leader Job Amupanda sought clarity on a clause allowing the minister to delegate an executive director, magistrate, judge, or any other person to visit mental health facilities without prior notice.
He questioned, “If my child is there, do I need delegate to be delegated by a minister to visit a person who's admitted? The problem is that once you have that, visitation of patients admitted under mental health becomes a regulated area.”
Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, clarified, “We will approve the proposed amendment to perhaps use the word ‘official.’ As all the members rightfully said, we cannot legislate normal visitation. So yes, this is with regards to official visitation. That amendment will be made.”
Other concerns included the absence of traditional healers and religious leaders—who often support mental health patients—from the Bill, as well as the rights of healthcare workers.
IPC’s Lilani Brinkman said, “The bill is silent about the rights of the healthcare workers. How do we go on? Can we add it as a new clause or going forward, how is it supposed to happen?”
Fellow IPC member Lilian Lutuhezi noted, “Integration of traditional healers and religious healers does not exist anywhere in the bill. There is no way from your number one close up to the last one where I can insert it. It’s a new one. How do I insert this new important aspect that you do not include in your bill?”
Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, Immanuel Nashinge, added, “So we are saying you cannot ignore traditional healers and religious leaders in society. Our people are going to these people. They play a role in the community.”
In response, Minister Luvindao explained, “There is currently no law that recognises and regulates that particular field. Because of that, including it here would do a big disservice legally, as it is not yet recognised and legally mandated. That is why it must wait for that bill, which is at an advanced stage to come into the August House.”