Ugandans living in Germany gathered in Berlin on Saturday for a community Grill Fiesta that blended culture, social bonding and conversations on men’s mental health, as members of the diaspora sought to strengthen ties within their community while raising awareness about a growing public health concern.
The event, supported by the Ugandan Embassy in Berlin, brought together Ugandans from different professional and social backgrounds for a day of networking, cultural exchange and discussions focused on men’s mental wellbeing.
Held as part of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in June, the gathering provided a platform for participants to discuss the challenges many men face in seeking support for emotional and psychological struggles.
Organisers said the event was intended to encourage open conversations about mental health and help break long-standing stigma that often prevents men from speaking openly about their experiences.
Representing the embassy, Minister Counsellor Jacqueline Banana Wabyona commended the Ugandan community in Germany for creating initiatives that promote unity, wellbeing and social support among citizens living abroad.
She appeared to suggest that such gatherings strengthen community bonds and complement the embassy’s efforts to engage Ugandans in the diaspora while promoting their welfare and connection to their homeland.
A key speaker at the event, Geoffrey Namara, an epidemiologist with the World Health Organization, praised the initiative for addressing an issue that is often overlooked despite its significant impact on individuals, families and communities.
On his part, Ugandan-born doctor Raymond Luyima told Monitor that ‘creating safe spaces where men can openly discuss mental health challenges is essential in promoting early support-seeking behaviour and reducing the social isolation that many experience.’
Participants shared experiences and reflected on ways communities can support men facing stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges, particularly while navigating life away from home.
Organisers noted that although awareness of mental health has increased globally, men remain less likely than women to seek professional help, making community-based initiatives an important avenue for education and support.
Beyond the discussions, the Grill Fiesta served as a celebration of Ugandan culture, featuring food, music and social interaction that reinforced a sense of belonging among members of the diaspora.
Participants thanked the Ugandan Embassy in Berlin for supporting the event and pledged to continue promoting mental health awareness, community cohesion and social wellbeing among Ugandans living in Germany.
The gathering on foreign soil also reflected the warm and enduring relations between Uganda and Germany, which date back to the establishment of diplomatic ties more than five decades ago.
Over the past six decades, the two countries have built a relationship founded on mutual respect and cooperation, with diaspora engagement increasingly viewed as an important bridge for strengthening people-to-people connections, cultural exchange, and collaboration between the two nations.