KAMPALA, UGANDA — The Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) Alumni Network of Uganda has launched a campaign to raise 100 million Ugandan shillings (about $26,000 USD) for the Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped (KSPH), honoring Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
The “BUILDING HOPE: One Future at a Time” initiative is central to this year’s Mandela Day celebrations, scheduled for Friday, July 18, 2025, at KSPH in Mengo. U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp is slated to attend as the guest of honor.
Don Patrick Bugingo, president of the MWF Alumni Network Uganda, stated that the Accessibility Fund aims to improve conditions at KSPH. He noted that while the school has significant impact, it faces “deteriorating infrastructure, limited mobility-support equipment and learning materials.”
The campaign holds personal relevance for Victo Nalule, a 2019 Mandela Washington Fellow and KSPH alumna. Her journey from student to executive director of the Tunaweza Foundation underscores the potential of inclusive support.
The Accessibility Fund will address critical needs, including the renovation of classroom blocks and the school library, replacement of hazardous asbestos roofing, construction of ramps and accessible walkways, provision of assistive learning devices, repair of a specialized school van used for hydrotherapy and hospital visits, and implementation of literacy and art therapy programs.
Edward Kwesiga of Mandela Group of Companies, a partner, pledged to construct all walkways at the school for improved mobility and to renovate the girls’ dormitory. “We are pledging to work on the pathways, making sure that they are accessible and easily connect from one facility to another,” Kwesiga said, encouraging other companies to participate.
Robin Kibuuka, a trustee at CEO Summit Uganda, commended the MWF Alumni, calling the initiative a “meaningful tribute to enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela.” Kibuuka emphasized that “true impact is measured by how we lift the most vulnerable among us,” adding that CEO Summit Uganda would amplify the campaign’s message through its media network.
Immaculate Owomugisha, president of the US Exchange Alumni Network in Uganda, indicated their participation aligns with a shared commitment to inclusion and community-led development among U.S. exchange program alumni.
Joy Musiitwa Mwesigwa, executive director of KSPH, expressed gratitude to the MWF Alumni Network for joining the “disability movement.” She stressed that disability is a lifelong reality requiring continuous support and lauded partners for prioritizing inclusive education.
Musiitwa Mwesigwa noted that KSPH, which served nearly 200 students pre-COVID-19, now enrolls about 130, attributing the decline to economic hardship and limited access to services. She appealed to parents to ensure children with physical disabilities receive proper care and education, asserting that inclusive education is a right. She urged all Ugandans to support the cause, stating, “Every child, regardless of ability, deserves a chance to thrive.”
The #Build4KSPH campaign is supported by partners including the U.S. Mission Uganda, South African High Commission, CEO Summit Uganda, NBS Television, Crown Beverages (Pepsi), The Nnabagereka Development Foundation, Nelson Mandela Foundation, and Reach A Hand Uganda.
Bugingo urged public support through monetary donations, in-kind contributions such as mobility aids, scholastic materials, and food items, event sponsorships, and on-site volunteering on July 18. He concluded that “Your support and presence will go a long way to ensure that every child can thrive in a safe, accessible and dignified environment.
