Rotary Club of Lyantonde, Raphatale Foundation Donate Christmas Packages to Special-Needs Families

By WILSON KUTAMBA

In a gesture of compassion and empowerment, the Rotary Club of Lyantonde in partnership with Raphatale Foundation, on November 4, 2025, extended support to mothers raising children with special needs as part of activities to mark World Disability Day.

During the outreach held in Lyantonde Town, the two organisations distributed essential household items—including soap, clothing, and foodstuffs—to more than 200 mothers. The initiative aimed at not only easing the burden of care but also reaffirming their commitment to uplifting families navigating the unique challenges of disability.

Evelyne Tamale Banga, the Executive Director of Raphatale Foundation, shared a deeply personal testimony, revealing that she, too, is a parent to children with special needs. She said her experience motivates her to inspire other parents to embrace and support their children.

“We are here today to encourage parents of children with special needs and to remind you that your children are special people who deserve love and dignity,” she said. She urged the government to create more accommodating learning environments so that children with disabilities can attend school, and called for community sensitisation to end discrimination and stigma.

Grace Serukenya Kimuli, the Managing Director of Raphatale Foundation, said the organisation is committed to creating long-term, sustainable solutions for mothers caring for children with disabilities.

“Our goal is to empower mothers of children with special needs to become financially independent,” she said. “We have captured the details of all mothers who attended today’s event and will stay in touch as we develop programmes that equip them with digital skills, customer care training, entrepreneurship knowledge, and access to remote work opportunities.”

She added that Raphatale Foundation plans to expand its advocacy and empowerment initiatives beyond Kampala to ensure more parents of children with special needs receive support.

“I ask parents to give children with special needs the same opportunities as other children. Take them to school and support them; they can grow into amazing people,” she said.

Serukenya also narrated how the idea of holding the outreach in Lyantonde originated from a chance encounter on a flight from the UK where she met Rtn Winnie Kahonda. “Both our children have Down syndrome and they unexpectedly connected mid-flight. We sat together, talked, and when I learnt she was from Lyantonde, we decided to organise this event in partnership with Rotary,” she said.

The Raphatale Foundation applauded the Rotary Club of Lyantonde for its support and leadership in bringing hope to families with children with special needs.

Rtn Hebert Rwenshehe, the Chapter President of the Rotary Club of Lyantonde, commended Raphatel Foundation and other partners including Lyantonde District Local Government, Lyantonde school of Nursing and Imelda Memorial Medical Centre. “As Rotary, we are proud to host an event that gives hope and advocates for the rights of children and people with special needs,” he said.

Rtn Benon Mugume, the current president of the Rotary Club of Lyantonde, pledged continued collaboration. “We remain committed to strengthening this partnership to improve livelihoods and advance humanitarian efforts in our communities,” he said.

Speaking as chief guest, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Lyantonde, Vanancio Bagatereyo, thanked the organisers for focusing on a vulnerable but important group. He encouraged families of people with special needs to take advantage of government programmes such as Emyooga, the Parish Development Model, and disability grants to improve their livelihoods.

The outreach concluded with emotional scenes as mothers expressed gratitude for the support and called for more community-based engagements aimed at empowering families raising children with special needs.