Church of Uganda Declares November as Focus Month to Empower and Uplift Children with Special Needs

Summary:

• According to the National Action Plan for Children with Special Needs and the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Uganda has over 5.8 million people with special needs, including approximately 2,027,148 children.

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KAMPALA: The Church of Uganda has declared November 2024 as “Focus Month for Children,” with a special emphasis on children with special needs, under the theme “Transformed Minds – Loving and Serving Children with Special Needs,” based on Romans 12:1-2.

The Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon Captain William Ongeng, launched the initiative on Sunday at the Kampala School for the Handicapped in Mengo, Kampala, on behalf of the Archbishop, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu.

Rev. Ongeng emphasized the urgent need to address barriers faced by children with special needs in accessing education, healthcare, and social opportunities, often hindered by discrimination and stigma.

“I invite everyone to join the Church of Uganda in this important initiative to create an inclusive and supportive community for all children,” Canon Ongeng stated.

He urged church leaders at all levels to participate in activities supporting children with special needs, highlighting efforts such as educating congregants about these challenges and ensuring accessible, welcoming worship spaces.

“These activities include educating church leaders and congregants about the challenges faced by children with special needs and ensuring that worship spaces are accessible and welcoming to all,” Canon Ongeng added.

He encouraged creating support networks for individuals with special needs and their families, serving them through various church activities, and advocating for their rights in the wider community.

Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, the Minister of State for Persons with Disabilities, commended the Church for its dedication to supporting children with special needs. In her speech, delivered by Achwero Grace, she underscored the importance of joint efforts in creating an inclusive environment.

“I thank the Church of Uganda and the administration of the Kampala School for the Handicapped for their unwavering commitment to providing quality education and care for children with special needs. Your collaborative efforts are instrumental in fostering an environment where every child can thrive, regardless of physical or mental challenges,” Hon. Asamo remarked.

She pledged government support for an inclusive educational environment for these children.

Mrs. Joy Mwesigye, the school’s Director, shared that the Kampala School for the Handicapped was established in 1969, initially known as Uganda Spastics.

Currently, the school supports 127 children 69 boys and 58 girls through the efforts of 46 staff members and volunteers.

She expressed gratitude to the Church of Uganda for providing resources to acquire a modern electric kitchen oven for teaching technical skills such as bread baking and catering.

“We developed a plan to teach the children technical skills in baking, catering, and other hands-on activities. When Rev. Richard Rukundo, the Coordinator of the Church’s Children Ministry, asked how they could support us, we requested an electric oven, and they have delivered the resources for it,” Mrs. Mwesigye noted.

In his sermon, Rev. Canon Dr. Paul Kakooza, Director of Education Services in the Church of Uganda, praised the school for focusing on empowering children’s abilities.

“Behind every inability, there is an ability. I am glad the school administration has chosen to empower these children’s abilities instead of focusing on their inabilities. God loves us all without discrimination,” he said.

The Church of Uganda contributed UGX 5 million to the school, while Hon. Grace Asamo donated UGX 2 million and pledged 10 wheelchairs. Additional contributions, including soap, sugar, and flour, were made by other partners.

The launch was attended by Missionary Park and Missionary Shin from Daniel Uganda Project and Dream Wave Christian Education, as well as the Presidents of the Christian Women Fellowship Namirembe Diocese and the Mothers Union Mukono Diocese.

According to the National Action Plan for Children with Special Needs and the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Uganda has over 5.8 million people with special needs, including approximately 2,027,148 children.