Breaking the Silence: WHO Uganda’s “Men Talk” Series Opens Honest Conversations on Men’s Mental Health./ PHOTO ; WHO
In a society where men are often expected to appear strong and unemotional, the World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda is redefining what strength looks like.
Through its new “Men Talk” series, the organization is creating a safe, reflective space for men to talk about issues they rarely discuss, from identity and finances to emotional well-being.
As part of WHO Uganda’s broader workplace wellbeing efforts, Men Talk aims to support male staff by fostering open, stigma-free dialogue around topics that deeply affect men’s lives.
The sessions, organized within the Country Office, have already drawn enthusiastic participation and heartfelt feedback.
“So far, two sessions have been held,” the organizing team shared. “Each is designed to be interactive and grounded in real-life experiences.”
The first session, titled “A Man and His Identity: What Determines Your Worth?”, explored the intersection of culture, masculinity, and self-worth, unpacking how societal expectations often define men’s value by their roles as providers or leaders.
The second, “A Man and His Finances,” delved into the weight of financial responsibility and the pressures of economic survival.
For Christopher Chikombero, Team Lead, Country Support Unit, the sessions were both eye-opening and reassuring.
“For the first time, I felt seen not just as a team lead or a professional, but as a man navigating real challenges,” he said.
His reflection echoed the sentiments of many others who attended.
The conversations, participants said, offered a moment to breathe to be honest about vulnerabilities often hidden behind professionalism.
Nasan Natseri, Country Office Data Manager, emphasized the relevance of the initiative.
“The sessions have addressed practical topics, especially during these times. They’ve also offered men a safe space to talk,” he noted.
Benjamin Agaba, a Finance Assistant, highlighted the importance of these discussions in building awareness and responsibility around money matters.
“The first session reminded us of men’s roles and responsibilities in society, both from a biblical and cultural perspective,” he said.
“The second was especially engaging. I believe fathers should teach their sons about money early on. Men need to manage finances wisely, especially by living within their means.”
These candid reflections have become the lifeblood of Men Talk.
The discussions are designed not as lectures but as safe, participatory, and deeply personal.
In a setting where mental health is often sidelined, the series is offering men a rare chance to connect, reflect, and learn from one another.
To sustain the dialogue, WHO Uganda has also established a WhatsApp group exclusively for male staff.
What began as an informal chat has evolved into a confidential platform where men exchange advice, share experiences, and check in on each other’s well-being.
It’s become a digital extension of Men Talk, a place to continue the conversations between sessions.
Interest in the series continues to grow.
Many participants have suggested future topics such as emotional intelligence, family relationships, and coping with stress.
“This is more than just a series,” one participant observed. “It’s a movement that’s helping men become better colleagues, husbands, and fathers.”
The initiative comes at a time when the WHO globally is emphasizing mental health in the workplace, recognizing that well-being is not only a personal concern but also central to productivity and organizational culture.
Through Men Talk, WHO Uganda is helping dismantle the myth that men must always “have it together.”
By permitting men to speak about pressure, purpose, and pain, the sessions are showing that vulnerability is not weakness; it’s courage.
The change is already visible. Colleagues describe stronger camaraderie, openness, and understanding across teams. Conversations once whispered are now taking place out loud, with empathy and honesty.
In the long run, Men Talk is more than an internal wellness project; it’s a quiet cultural shift within one of the world’s most respected health institutions.
It signals that caring for others begins with caring for ourselves and that true resilience is built not on silence, but on shared humanity.
