Robust health systems are required for the promotion of child and adolescent mental health (CAMH). In low and middle income countries such as Uganda neuropsychiatric illness in childhood and adolescence represent 15–30 % of all loss in disability-adjusted life years. In spite of this burden, service systems in these countries are weak. | Health managers’ views on the status of national and decentralized health systems for child and adolescent mental health in Uganda: A qualitative study