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.
The Provincial Secretary of Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon Captain William Ongeng, launched the focus month for children at the Kampala School for the Handicapped in Mengo, Kampala.
He was representing the Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu.
He 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.
"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."
Hellen Grace Asamo, the Minister of State for Persons with Disabilities in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, commended Church of Uganda for its dedication to supporting children with special needs.
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," Asamo said.
She pledged government support to ensure an inclusive educational environment for children with special needs.
According to Mrs. Joy Mwesigye, the Director of the School, the school was established in 1969 as Uganda Spastics, but later changed to Kampala School for the Handicapped. T
he school now has 127 children, comprising 69 boys and 58 girls, supported by 46 staff members and volunteers.
She commended Church of Uganda for mobilizing resources to procure a modern electric kitchen oven for the school.
"We developed a plan to teach the children technical skills in baking bread, catering, and other hands-on activities. When Rev Richard Rukundo. the coordinator of Church of Uganda's Children Ministry asked how they could support us, we requested for an electric oven, and they have delivered the resources for it," Mrs. Mwesigye said.
In his sermon, Rev. Canon Dr. Paul Kakooza, the Director of Education Services in Church of Uganda, applauded the school for empowering the children to develop their abilities.
"Behind every inability, there is an ability. I am glad that the school administration has chosen to empower these children's abilities instead of focusing on their inabilities. God loves us all without discrimination," Dr. Kakooza said.
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Church of Uganda gave a donation of shs5 million, while Hon. Grace Asamo donated shs 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.
According to the National Action Plan for Children with Special Needs and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, over 5.8 million people in Uganda have special needs, including approximately 2,027,148 children.
