Decriminalizing suicide in Uganda: Legal reform and public health imperative

Uganda criminalizes attempted suicide, exposing survivors to prosecution and imprisonment while mental health legislation requires assessment and care. This study examines the consequences of criminalization for access to care and the protection of health and dignity in Uganda. We conducted a comparative legal and policy review of legislation, constitutional adjudication, national reports, and published research through September 18, 2026. India, Ghana, and Kenya provided comparators. Uganda's 2016-2017 surveillance analysis reported attempted-suicide prevalence of 7.1 per 100,000 among males and 6.7 among females. It reported approximately 38 deaths per 1000 recorded male cases. The Ministry of Health recorded 616,175 mental-health outpatient attendances in 2023/24, including 96,277 for unipolar depressive disorders. Ugandan accounts describe imprisonment after treatment and threats of prosecution during recovery. Mental health workers differed over punishment as deterrence, while survivors described both punitive police encounters and referral for care. Fear of legal consequences can discourage disclosure, delay help-seeking, and impede accurate reporting. Constitutional protections and judicial recognition of health rights support scrutiny of this penal response. The Mental Health Act's treatment duties leave criminal liability for the attempt intact. The evidence supports repeal alongside funded crisis services, clear referral responsibilities, and continued clinical and social support. Decriminalization should remove punishment for surviving a suicidal crisis while making timely care and recovery the purpose of the public response.