Decolonizing Mental Health/Social Work Practice in Uganda: Reconstructing an African-Centric Framework Through Traditional Values and Beliefs

Abstract

ABSTRACT Decolonization is an ongoing process of addressing power imbalances and knowledge hierarchies. The role of social work is to serve the wellbeing of people and communities. However, social work in Uganda is part of a colonial legacy situated within systems of power. Due to colonization, social work practice bears the vestiges of colonialism often disconnecting the indigenous peoples from their cultures, history, traditions, land, water, resources, and knowledges. In some cases, social work practice has further alienated the very people it purportedly seeks to serve reproducing oppression and systemic inequities. This paper examines the impact of colonialism in service provision and proposes ways to break free of structures of coloniality. It proposes an African-centric framework through the reclamation of traditional values and beliefs.