MENGO – 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,” from Romans 12:1-2.
While representing the Archbishop of Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu at the launch ceremony held at Kampala School for the handicapped in Mengo on Sunday, Rev. Canon Captain William Ongeng highlighted the critical need to address the barriers faced by children with special needs in accessing education, healthcare, and social opportunities, which are often compounded by discrimination and stigma.
“I invite everyone to join Church of Uganda in this important initiative to create an inclusive and supportive community for all children,” Canon Ongeng said.
He called upon leaders at all levels within the Church to engage in activities aimed at supporting children with special needs.
“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 said.
He added, “I encourage you to form support networks for individuals with special needs and their families, encourage members to serve individuals with special needs through various church activities, and raise voices in the community to promote the rights and needs of persons with special needs.”
Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, the Minister of State for Persons with Disabilities in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, who was represented by her daughter Achwero Grace commended Church of Uganda for its continuous support to children with special needs.
She donated two million shillings cash to Kampala School for the Handicapped and promised to deliver two wheel chairs to the same school before the snd of this year.
Mrs. Joy Mwesigye, the Director of the School pointed out that the school which was established in 1969 has a population of 127 children, 69 boys and 58 girls, under the care of 46 staff members and volunteers.
“Before covid we had 198 children before covid, but after the pandemic many parents faced financial challenges and some children were never returned. Many of our children have challenges resulting from cerebral palsy, with a changed lifestyle which needs special attention.”
She called upon parents not to curse children with special needs because they are like other human beings who need to be supported so as to enjoy life and achieve their goals.
“Working with these children is so interesting but they need special attention. We have 127 children who in normal schools are about one classroom which doesn’t need many teachers as it is here.”
Mwesigye further called upon all churches to introduce sign language interpreters in all their services, introduce ramps instead of staircases so that those who move in wheel chairs can also be in position to access these places of worship.”
In her speech, delivered by Achwero Grace, she emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in creating an inclusive environment for all children.
“I thank 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 their physical or mental challenges,” Hon. Asamo said.
In his preaching , Rev. Canon Dr. Paul Kakooza, the Director of Education Services in Church of Uganda, emphasized it that disability is not inability as many tend to believe.
“Provincial assembly, this year passed a policy on children requiring schools to put into consideration children with special needs when constructing buildings, preparing lesson plans , preparing food and recruiting teachers.”
He added that even churches all over the country to consider these people in construction of buildings with easy access features for people of all groups.
Church of Uganda offered five million Shillings well as other organizations and individuals donated food items, sugar , soap and other assorted items.
The event attracted representatives from Missionary Park and Missionary Shin from Daniel Uganda Project and Dream Wave Christian Education Sanyu Babies Home, President of the Christian Women Fellowship Namirembe Diocese and the President of the Mothers Union Mukono Diocese among others.
UGX 5 million, while Hon. Grace Asamo donated UGX 2 Million along with a pledge of 10 wheelchairs, and various items such as soap, sugar, and flour from other partners.
Missionary Park and Missionary Shin from Daniel Uganda Project and Dream Wave Christian Education respectively, along with the President of the Christian Women Fellowship Namirembe Diocese and the President of the Mothers Union Mukono Diocese, were among the attendees at the launch.
