• Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Donate
  • Login
Watchdog Uganda
  • Home
  • News
    • National
    • Politics
    • World News
    • Media Outreach Newswire
    • Africa News
    • Tourism
    • Community News
    • Luganda
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Motorsport
  • Op-Ed
    • #Out2Lunch
    • Conversations with
    • Politics
    • Relationships
  • Business
    • Agriculture
    • CEOs & Entrepreneurs,
    • Companies
    • Finance
    • Products
    • RealEstate
    • Technology
  • Entertainment
    • Lifestyle
  • People
    • Showbiz
      • Salon Mag
  • Special Report
    • Education
    • Voices
  • Reviews
    • Products
    • Events
    • Hotels
    • Restaurants
    • Places
  • WD-TV
  • Donate
  • China News
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • National
    • Politics
    • World News
    • Media Outreach Newswire
    • Africa News
    • Tourism
    • Community News
    • Luganda
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Motorsport
  • Op-Ed
    • #Out2Lunch
    • Conversations with
    • Politics
    • Relationships
  • Business
    • Agriculture
    • CEOs & Entrepreneurs,
    • Companies
    • Finance
    • Products
    • RealEstate
    • Technology
  • Entertainment
    • Lifestyle
  • People
    • Showbiz
      • Salon Mag
  • Special Report
    • Education
    • Voices
  • Reviews
    • Products
    • Events
    • Hotels
    • Restaurants
    • Places
  • WD-TV
  • Donate
  • China News
No Result
View All Result
Watchdog Uganda
No Result
View All Result

Ann Ssebunya: Uganda’s Radio Personality and Mental Health Advocate Transforming Lives Through the Drugs Hapana Initiative

Brian Mugenyi by Brian Mugenyi
2 weeks ago
in Community News, Health, Lifestyle, National, News, People
5 0
ShareTweetSendShare
Ann Ssebunya, affectionately known as “Ann,” is a household name in Uganda. As a celebrated radio personality on Central Broadcasting Service (CBS FM Radio Buganda), her vibrant voice, humor, and storytelling captivate listeners. Through her morning drive show, Mukeeze (6–9 a.m., Monday to Friday), Ann entertains while educating audiences on critical social issues. Nicknamed the “Ann Buddu Ku Ntikko Ambassador” for her deep connection to Masaka City, Ann’s metaphor-rich narratives and relatable tone have made her a beloved figure across Uganda. She embodies the spirit of charismatic, grounded women who inspire through humility and purpose.
Early Life and Passion for Community Empowerment
Born to Mr. Charles Ssebunya, former headteacher at St. Balikuddembe Mitala Maria, and Mrs. Margret Ssebunya, both retired in Senya village, Masaka District, Ann is the second of seven children. A devoted mother to Ryan Kimera Tabula, she balances her radio career with administrative duties in the office of CBS’s Programs Manager, Hajji Abbey Mukiibi, under Dr. Samuel Kazibwe’s supervision. Beyond her public persona, Ann leads a purpose-driven life, championing mental health advocacy and drug abuse prevention through her Drugs Hapana (“Say No to Drugs”) initiative.
The Birth of Drugs Hapana Initiative (DHA)
Launched in 2016, the Drugs Hapana Initiative was inspired by Ann’s personal experience with a family member’s struggle with alcohol addiction.
“When I saw recovery was possible through rehabilitation, I knew I had to act,” she shares. Mentored by Dr. David Basangwa, former Executive Director of Butabika National Referral Hospital, Ann founded DHA to educate youth about drug abuse and promote mental health through school outreach, seminars, counseling, music, drama, sports, and vocational training.Addressing a Growing CrisisThe Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 intensified mental health challenges in Uganda. School closures, isolation, and uncertainty drove many young people to substance abuse.
“More students are using drugs and alcohol to cope with depression, anxiety, and lack of structure,” Ann explains. “Suicidal cases are rising, and rehabilitation centers are overwhelmed.” She highlights how some youths view drug use as a sign of modernity or a rite of passage, often exacerbated by limited parental supervision as adults focus on daily survival.
DHA’s Impact and Reach
Since its inception, Drugs Hapana has partnered with over 200 schools nationwide. Through student leadership conferences, teacher workshops, parenting retreats, and counseling, the initiative has inspired change. Many students have quit drugs and formed anti-drug clubs in their schools. Ann recalls stories of students hiding drugs in parents’ cars or socks, underscoring the crisis’s severity. Commonly abused substances include alcohol, tobacco (cigarettes, shisha, kuber), marijuana, khat, aviation fuel, ice, and, in wealthier communities, cocaine and heroin. Ann believes empowered youth can drive change, and DHA equips them with the tools to do so.
Strong Networks and Strategic Partnerships
Ann balances her radio career and DHA with support from a robust network of partners, including Butabika National Referral Hospital, CBS FM, the Parliament of Uganda, UNESCO, and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. A notable project, the Tuyambeko Butabika Campaign, mobilized resources for Butabika Hospital patients, with CBS FM and public support providing 100 mattresses donated by Parliament.
Looking Ahead
Drugs Hapana continues to expand, launching prevention programs, community edutainment events, and vocational training for youth self-sustainability. Ann’s work reshapes narratives around mental health and drug abuse, offering hope and practical solutions for Uganda’s youth.As she navigates the demands of broadcasting and activism, Ann Ssebunya remains a powerful example of how media influence, wielded with compassion and purpose, can drive national transformation.

Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
Share1Tweet1SendShare

Related Posts

News

President Museveni passes out 413 UPDF officers trained in advanced military warfare tactics 

17th July 2025 at 23:52
News

BRIAN K TINDYEBWA: How Tanga Odoi’s Primaries Show Clear Contrast Between NRM & NUP

17th July 2025 at 23:19
Leaders of the Opposition Political Parties
News

JOSHUA MUZIRA: Mushrooming political parties in Uganda 

16th July 2025 at 17:25
Next Post
Dr. Ayub Mukisa (Ph.D.)

Dr. Ayub Mukisa: To Develop Karamoja: Critical Thinking And Alternative Analysis Is Necessary

  • Prostitution in Uganda- Courtesy Photo

    10 dangerous hotspots known for prostitutes in Kampala

    1142 shares
    Share 457 Tweet 286
  • Silent Billionaire Bosco Muwonge Buys Mukwano Arcade at UGX 250 Billion Cash Down

    59 shares
    Share 24 Tweet 15
  • Who is Bosco Muwonge, Uganda’s elusive real estate billionaire?

    43 shares
    Share 17 Tweet 11
  • LIST: New salary structure for civil servants starting July 2020 out; scientists, lecturers get juicy pay rise

    2293 shares
    Share 917 Tweet 573
  • LIST : Gov’t releases Revised Salary Structure for Teachers, Police, and Prisons Staff for FY 2024/2025

    128 shares
    Share 51 Tweet 32
Facebook Twitter

Contact Information

Watchdog Uganda is a portal for solution journalism, trending news plus cutting edge commentaries in the fields of politics, security, business, tourism, entertainment, technology, agriculture, climate change, environment, public health et al. We also give preference to Ugandan community news and topical discussions. The portal also publishes community news and topical discussions.

Email: editorial@watchdoguganda.com
To Advertise:Click here

Latest News

President Museveni passes out 413 UPDF officers trained in advanced military warfare tactics 

17th July 2025 at 23:52
Mashable is a global, multi-platform media and entertainment company For more queries and news contact us on this Email: info@mashablepartners.com

Check out

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Minister Muruli Mukasa

LIST: New salary structure for civil servants starting July 2020 out; scientists, lecturers get juicy pay rise

24th May 2020 at 10:45
Pregnant woman

Shock as 17-year old boy impregnates his two sisters during Covid-19 lockdown 

17th June 2020 at 08:17
Sudhir Ruparelia is the undisputed king of Kampala

Billionaire Sudhir’s wisdom on how to invest in real estate

0

How a boy’s destiny turned from cotton grower to communications guru

0

President Museveni passes out 413 UPDF officers trained in advanced military warfare tactics 

17th July 2025 at 23:52

BRIAN K TINDYEBWA: How Tanga Odoi’s Primaries Show Clear Contrast Between NRM & NUP

17th July 2025 at 23:19

© 2025 Watchdog Uganda

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • National
    • Politics
    • World News
    • Media Outreach Newswire
    • Africa News
    • Tourism
    • Community News
    • Luganda
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Motorsport
  • Op-Ed
    • #Out2Lunch
    • Conversations with
    • Politics
    • Relationships
  • Business
    • Agriculture
    • CEOs & Entrepreneurs,
    • Companies
    • Finance
    • Products
    • RealEstate
    • Technology
  • Entertainment
    • Lifestyle
  • People
    • Showbiz
      • Salon Mag
  • Special Report
    • Education
    • Voices
  • Reviews
    • Products
    • Events
    • Hotels
    • Restaurants
    • Places
  • WD-TV
  • Donate
  • China News

© 2025 Watchdog Uganda