Moses Bulamu

By Moses Bulamu

By definition, a fire extinguisher is a device designed to put out or control small fires in emergency situations. It’s typically a portable container filled with a fire-suppressing agent, such as foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide, which is released when the extinguisher is activated. Fire extinguishers are commonly used to:

I. Put out small fires before they spread
II. Prevent fires from growing and causing more damage
III. Protect people and property from fire hazards

Almost like the Uganda police! The Uganda Constitution outlines the roles of the Uganda Police Force in Article 212, which states that the functions of the Uganda Police Force include:

I. Protecting Life and Property
II. Preserving Law and Order
III. Preventing and Detecting Crime (I once grappled with this, since I thought detecting comes before prevention)

Additionally, the Uganda Police Force is expected to cooperate with civilian authorities and other security organs. These roles are further supported by the Uganda Police Force Act and other guiding laws.

As with the fire extinguisher, as with the Uganda police force, men need a mental health fire extinguisher that can snuff out those stress and anxiety embers once detected. It’s true that we face unique challenges daily, and as a result, our mental well-being is brought into question. Societal expectations, the pressure to provide, and stigma associated with seeking help can light a fire that can lead to burnout if not nipped in the bud.

It’s crucial to detect these “fires” early on and, just like we do with a fire extinguisher, put out the small flame before it escalates. Identifying the fire and responding promptly with the right tools can prevent collateral damage. Men need to quickly identify and overcome the stigma of seeking help if the “fire” is big enough to require external support. Sometimes, the stigma comes with labels of failure and judgments that a man might fear asking for help.

I once witnessed a very uncomfortable situation where men fought a small fire with a fire extinguisher and wet soil, resulting in complete engine car damage. A fire extinguisher in our lives mitigates big fires. A fire extinguisher is a symbol of preparedness and safety. We should encourage each other to talk beyond cultural greetings and casual concerns.

Men should use opportunities to source and resource each other. Today’s world often equates resources with money, but there’s more to brotherhood than just financial support. Empathy and sympathy can effectively approach mental health issues with answers beyond casual greetings.

As referenced in the Uganda police context, you and I can be the first detectors of small flames of stress, anger, and anxiety in a fellow man. You and I can ask if that man has a fire extinguisher with him. Or, you and I can become that fire extinguisher. Mental health issues in a man’s life might need another man’s eye to extinguish a potential “fire”.