Mental Health and Missions in Uganda, Africa

Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is a country of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Located in East Africa, Uganda is home to breathtaking landscapes, including lush forests, rolling hills, vast savannas, and the iconic Lake Victoria—the world’s second-largest freshwater lake and the source of the Nile River. The country boasts an incredible diversity of wildlife, including mountain gorillas, lions, elephants, and a wide variety of bird species, making it a top destination for eco-tourism and conservation efforts.

Uganda is also known for its warm hospitality and vibrant traditions expressed through music, dance, and community life. The nation’s cultural mosaic includes over 50 distinct ethnic groups and languages, contributing to a dynamic and diverse social fabric.

Despite its natural splendor, Uganda faces significant socio-economic challenges. While the nation has experienced political stability since 1986, many communities continue to struggle with issues such as poverty, high unemployment rates, food insecurity, and inadequate healthcare services. Mental health remains a critical concern, as many Ugandans experience trauma from past conflicts, displacement, and the ongoing impact of diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

Uganda’s youth population is among the largest in the world, with over 50% of the population under the age of 18. Many children are orphaned due to past conflicts and health crises, leading to an increased need for mental health support and trauma-informed care. The lack of mental health resources and trained professionals makes international collaborations and interventions essential in supporting the well-being of Ugandan communities.

This program offers students a rare opportunity to work within a country where mental health services are still developing, providing direct support to communities in need while learning from local professionals who navigate these challenges daily. By participating in this trip, students will not only broaden their counseling competencies but also contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s growing mental health landscape.

Participants will have the chance to:

• Present, teach, and learn about Global Mental Health.
• Engage with Ugandan Christian University (UCU) faculty and master’s-level counseling students.
• Visit a mental health counseling hospital and other community mental health programs to discuss mental health issues.
• Provide presentations to church and community leaders.

November 15, 2025 (Deposit payment and supporting documentation required).

CES 675 Special Topics – Mental Health in Missions (3 Credit Hours)

Students participating in this program will be enrolled in this course, which focuses on global mental health issues with an emphasis on advocacy, marriage counseling, and addiction counseling. The course integrates Christian principles with mental health training.

Performance & grading

• Regular attendance and participation in scheduled site visits, lectures, and program activities are mandatory.
• Students are expected to be prepared and actively engage in class discussions.
• Attendance, participation, and preparedness will factor into the final grade.
• Additional grading policies and attendance requirements will be outlined in the course syllabus.

Course Evaluations

Students will have the opportunity to evaluate the course and the Knowledge Exchange Conference through Regent’s online evaluation system. Detailed instructions will be provided during the final week of the program.

Donations & Payments

• Payments/Donations made by a student, church, friend, employer, or family member. Contributions from students, churches, friends, employers, or family members are tax-deductible.
• Checks should be made payable to Regent University with “Uganda 2026” in the memo line.
• Donors must include the attached donation slip (with the student’s initials in the “source code” section).
• All payments and donations are non-refundable and can be applied to other team members if a student’s trip is fully funded. Payments/Donations made by a student, church, friend, employer, or family member

How to Raise Tax-Deductible Support

• Use the University approved support letter to request financial assistance from churches, friends, family, and coworkers.
• Include the donation slip with your initials in the “source code” field.
• Ensure checks are payable to Regent University and sent to Attn: Cyrus Williams with “Uganda 2026” in the memo line.
• Funds cannot be designated to a specific student and are non-refundable.

Registration & Payment

• Complete the Study Abroad Registration Form online.
• Admission is first-come, first-served, and is secured only after completing the application, paying the deposit, and meeting eligibility requirements.
• There are only 20 spots for this trip. Selections will be based on the order of deposit submissions.

Payment Schedule:

• $1000 Non-refundable registration fee (due at application submission, refundable only if fewer than 14 participants enroll). Deposit deadline November 15, 2025.
• Second payment: $1,000 (January 15, 2026)
• Final payment: $1,000 (February 15, 2026)

Cancellation Policy:

• Note that the minimum number of study trip attendees is 14 and the maximum number is 20. The trip will be canceled should the number of applicants with deposits not reach the minimum by November 15, 2025 and a full refund of payments will be issued. The non-refundable $ 1,000 deposit will be applied toward the $ 3,000. Please note if the trip is cancelled all monies will be refunded. (But not Go Fund me donations to the school.)

• Must be a current PhD Counseling or PSYD student in good standing. A Regent alumnus in the mental health profession will be considered. Please note, all students must take the class in the Spring 2026 semester.
• Letter of good standing^* is required for application completion.

Letters should be mailed to:
Uganda Study Abroad Program
ATTN: Dr. Cyrus Williams
Regent University School of Psychology & Counseling
1000 Regent University Drive, CRB 221, Virginia Beach, VA 23464-9800
Or emailed to: cwilliams2@regent.edu

^* – Letter of good standing, written by a Regent University Professor that attest to you character and suitability for this trip.

Tuition & fees

The program fee is $3,000 which covers:

• Lodging (fully furnished with AC, TV, pillows, towels, and sheets)
• Transportation to program sites
• UCU access fee
• Most meals
• Administrative costs
• Excursion activities

Not Included in the Program Fee:

• Some meals (particularly while traveling)
• Required vaccinations and medications
• Passport fees and renewal costs
• Course materials (if applicable)
• Yellow fever vaccine

PERSONAL EXPENSES

Students should budget for minimal personal expenses, including:

• Additional meals/snacks
• Laundry services
• Souvenirs
• Optional excursions

Further guidance on currency exchange, credit card usage, and ATM availability will be provided closer to departure.

• A valid passport is required for travel to Uganda.
• Proof of a valid Passport bio-data page (with validity of at least 6 months) must be submitted by October 30, 2025.
• Students will need an updated U.S. passport, and a Ugandan visa. These are the traveler’s responsibility.
• Proof of vaccinations is required