The Rotary Club of Saturday E Jazz, in collaboration with Mental Health Focus Uganda, carried out a transformative community service project at Kasenyi Landing Site in Entebbe—an area facing multiple social and environmental challenges.
Kasenyi, a densely populated fishing community, lacked a designated space for waste disposal. This had led to poor sanitation conditions, posing health risks to residents. In response, our club mobilized a community clean-up drive, working hand-in-hand with local residents to collect garbage, establish a waste disposal point, and raise awareness about proper waste management. The aim was not only to clean the area but to foster a culture of environmental responsibility among community members.
Beyond environmental concerns, the project addressed the silent crisis of mental health within the community. Kasenyi struggles with high levels of substance abuse, particularly among the youth. According to the Uganda National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence (UNCADD), nearly 30% of young people in Kasenyi admitted to using drugs or illicit substances in 2022—a trend that contributes significantly to rising mental health issues in the area.
To tackle this, the Saturday E Jazz team partnered with Mental Health Focus Uganda to provide community mental health education, promote awareness around the dangers of substance abuse, and offer support to individuals living with mental illness. Through group discussions, counseling outreach, and peer engagement, the project opened up safe spaces for conversations about mental wellness—breaking the stigma and encouraging early intervention.
