Page 5 - June 02

about twice a year to share his training on mental well-being and suicide prevention, skills
that are part of his job with a counselling firm in Canberra.

He started the campaign Hope for Life in 2023 to increase mental health awareness in
Uganda, one of about two dozen countries where suicide is a crime. Kasule, a member of the
Rotary E-Club of Brindabella, Australia, says cultural taboos prevent people from seeking
mental health care.

Kasule, 30, who grew up in the capital of Kampala, says pressures weighed on his mental
well-being when he moved to Australia nearly a decade ago to study. He felt lonely in a new
country trying to complete coursework, cover tuition, and support family in Uganda, leading
to thoughts of suicide. A teacher who worked with international students provided support,
reminding him that he would want to see his brother in Uganda again. "It was a turning point
in my life," he says.

He urges Ugandan leaders to make systemic changes and is heartened that Parliament is
backing the African Summit on Suicide Prevention. Kasule works with Rotary members in
Uganda and Australia to try to expand training for police, health teams, and Rotary members.
He asks himself, "What can I do here in Australia to support my people in Uganda?"
Program for the weeks ahead

Date Jun 2 Jun 23 Jun 30 Jul 7

Mooloolaba Mooloolaba Mooloolaba
Venue Mooloolaba Bowls Club
Bowls Club Bowls Club Bowls Club

A Myanmar project
Subject "Safe Water for Every Reflexion on Club
our Rotary year changeover
Child"

Speaker Ms Fleur Maidment President Ian

Chairman Sandra HARRINGTON Pam PURVIS

Front Desk Alison YOUNG

Meet & Connie SILLAMAN Shannon
Greet DOLAN

Know Your Mary-Anne SUTTON
Member