Adrian Kakinda

My name is Adrian Ivan Kakinda, and I hail from Masaka City, located in the southern region of Uganda, East Africa. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD at the University of Dundee, United Kingdom, within the Psychology division, a journey that commenced in September 2023. With a focus on mental health help-seeking behaviours among adolescents, my research endeavours seek to address crucial gaps in understanding and supporting the mental well-being of young people.

In 2022, I completed my master’s degree in counselling psychology at Kyambogo University, Uganda, following a bachelor's degree in Guidance and Counselling, where I graduated with first-class honours. My academic journey continued as I transitioned into a Graduate Fellow role at Kyambogo University immediately after my undergraduate studies. Subsequently, I serve as an Assistant Lecturer, a role that deepened my passion for mental health advocacy and research.

Over the past eight years, my professional journey has revolved around counselling and mental health initiatives, focusing on areas such as depression, mental health literacy, stigma, resilience, and interventions. As a member of the Uganda counselling Association Board, I have spearheaded numerous awareness campaigns, symposia, and media engagements to promote mental health awareness and support.
At Kyambogo University, I actively contributed to student mental health research, counselling programs, and curriculum development, recognizing the critical need for mental health research and intervention strategies. This experience fuelled my aspiration for further education and led me to pursue doctoral studies through the Africa Doctoral Fellowship program at the University of Dundee.

The fellowship scheme offered by the University of Dundee presents a unique opportunity to address the significant mental health care gaps in Africa, with a particular focus on Uganda. Leveraging my collaboration with Prof. Kennedy Amone-P'Olak of Kyambogo University and Prof. Croudace of the University of Dundee, I am equipped with a supportive supervision team and a robust network to drive impactful research outcomes.

Together, we aspire to establish Kyambogo University as a center of excellence for mental health research and teaching, fostering sustainable partnerships and advancing mental health care in Uganda and beyond. Through my diverse roles as a researcher, public speaker, and counsellor, I am committed to contributing meaningfully to the well-being of individuals and communities affected by mental health challenges.