Paint, Dialogue, and Unity: How PurpleMinds Helped Combat the Silent Pandemic in Butabika

On February 27, 2026, the grounds of Butabika came alive—not with the usual narratives of struggle, but with the vibrant energy of hope, healing, and unity. PurpleMinds Foundation was honored to join ten other dedicated organizations for the Mental Health Camp, a day-long event themed "United To Combat The Silent Pandemic."

From 8am to 12pm, students, local leaders, mental health advocates, and community members gathered to do something revolutionary: talk openly about mental health.

A Collaboration of Champions

The event was organized by She4Change Uganda and brought together an impressive coalition of organizations committed to youth well-being:

OrganizationFocus AreaShe4Change UgandaWomen and youth empowermentAnchor Empower PersonsDisability inclusionICT for Women Uganda (SHECU)Digital inclusion for womenTogether for HerGirls' empowermentEco Youth Community InitiativeEnvironment and youthInclusive TechTechnology accessShakirah Girl EmpowermentGirls' education and supportDisabilities Network UgandaDisability rightsNAC NetworkCommunity advocacyBritish Citizens CouncilGenerous supportPurpleMinds FoundationMental health and environment

This diverse coalition proved that mental health is not a single-issue fight—it requires everyone, working together.

PurpleMinds in Action: Dialogue and Connection

For PurpleMinds, our role was clear: facilitate honest conversations about mental health with the young people who need them most.

We led Mental Health Dialogue sessions where students could speak freely about their struggles, their fears, and their hopes. In a world that often silences young voices, we created space for them to be heard.

Key themes that emerged from the dialogues:

• The pressure to succeed despite limited resources

• Family stress and its impact on young minds

• The need for safe spaces to talk without judgment

• Hope—real, tangible hope—for a better future

The Power of Expression: "Paint My Feelings"

One of the most moving activities of the day was "Paint My Feelings." A large white cloth was spread out, and students were invited to paint whatever they felt inside—no rules, no judgment, just expression.

What emerged was breathtaking:

• Dark colors representing pain and fear

• Bright yellows and oranges symbolizing hope

• Interlocking hands showing community and support

• Hearts, trees, and abstract shapes telling stories words could not capture

This simple act of painting became profound therapy. Young people who had arrived quiet and guarded left with smiles, having released emotions they didn't know they were carrying.

Voices from the Day

Local leaders addressed the gathering, emphasizing that mental health is not a foreign concept—it is a daily reality that requires daily attention. They commended the youth for showing up and for their courage in speaking out.

Students, in turn, gave powerful feedback:

"I've never been asked how I feel before. Today, someone finally listened."
"The painting helped me let go of something I've carried for years."
"I didn't know so many organizations cared about us. I feel less alone."

Wellness in Motion: Aerobics for Mental Health

Between dialogues and painting, the crowd moved together in aerobics sessions, proving that physical activity is a powerful tool for mental well-being. Laughter, music, and movement filled the air—a reminder that healing can also be joyful.

Why This Matters

The "silent pandemic" of mental health struggles affects every community, but young people in under-resourced areas carry an extra burden. Events like this one break down three critical barriers:

1. Stigma – By talking openly, we normalize mental health.

2. Isolation – By gathering together, we show young people they are not alone.

3. Hopelessness – By providing tools and listening, we plant seeds of hope.

Gratitude to Our Partners

PurpleMinds Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to every organization that made this day possible:

🙏 She4Change Uganda – For visionary leadership and organization
🙏 Anchor Empower Persons – For championing inclusion
🙏 ICT for Women Uganda (SHECU) – For bridging technology and empowerment
🙏 Together for Her – For standing with girls
🙏 Eco Youth Community Initiative – For connecting environment and youth
🙏 Inclusive Tech – For ensuring no one is left behind digitally
🙏 Shakirah Girl Empowerment – For uplifting young women
🙏 Disabilities Network Uganda – For advocating for all abilities
🙏 NAC Network – For grassroots community strength
🙏 British Citizens Council – For generous support

And most importantly, thank you to every student who attended. You are the reason we do this work.

Looking Forward

This was one day. But the work continues. PurpleMinds Foundation remains committed to nurturing souls—through dialogue, through art, through community, and through unwavering belief in the potential of every young person.

The painted cloth from Butabika now hangs as a symbol of what's possible when we unite. We invite you to join us in writing the next chapter.

#TuliwamuNaawel – We Are in This Together.