Eugine Wabwile Juma 
BY GELAS SITUMA
Police officers have been urged to prioritize their mental health to cope with stress linked to the demanding nature of their work.The call was made during a one-day conference in Busia that brought together health professionals, police officers and more than 150 students to address the psychological impact of police duties.
Health experts at the forum shared coping strategies with officers and encouraged them to seek professional help early when facing mental health challenges. Participants also discussed workplace pressures and the need to address mental health issues before they escalate.Busia Police Commander Patrick Liyungu said many officers are under significant strain due to difficult working conditions and long duty hours.National statistics presented at the conference show the scale of the challenge.
Between 82 and 13 percent of police officers are reported to face mental health challenges, while 70 percent say they feel overwhelmed by their workload.Poor housing and security concerns were cited by 60 percent of officers as major stress factors. In addition, 53 percent expressed dissatisfaction with the transfer system and the way workstations are allocated.Officials noted that addressing these structural issues, alongside providing mental health support, will be key to improving officers’ wellbeing and service delivery.
