"I was also trying to protect myself and save my life," experiences of people living with severe mental illness and their caregivers regarding COVID-19 response in Uganda.

Introduction: People with severe mental illness (SMI) are highly vulnerable and more affected by epidemics than the general population. They encounter limited access to care, miss out on infection prevention measures and are more prone to relapses. Objectives: This study explored the experiences of individuals with SMI and their caregivers in Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its focus was on the impact of COVID-19 and its response measures on their mental health. Methods: The study was conducted at three sites; a national referral mental hospital, a regional referral hospital and a district hospital. Participants included persons with SMI, their caregivers and mental health professionals. Data collection involved in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Phenomenological thematic analysis was employed. Results: The key themes identified encompassed challenges in accessing mental health services, disrupted routine care, the impact of lockdown measures and discrimination. Conclusion: The findings highlight the unique challenges faced by individuals with SMI and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda. There is need for interventions focusing on continued access to care, improving information dissemination and addressing the psychological impact of containment measures on people with SMI.