The spirit of Christmas arrived early in Lyantonde as the Rotary Club of Lyantonde, together with Raphatale Foundation, delivered essential support to more than 200 mothers raising children with special needs.
The outreach, held on December 4, 2025, was part of nationwide activities marking the World Disability Day and sought to uplift families often overlooked in community development efforts.
During the event in Lyantonde Town, mothers received a range of basic household supplies including foodstuffs, soap, and clothing aimed at easing the financial strain many faces as primary caregivers.
Beyond material donations, organisers said the initiative was designed to restore dignity, inspire confidence, and strengthen the network of support for families navigating disability-related challenges.
For Evelyne Tamale Banga, Executive Director of Raphatale Foundation, the mission is deeply personal. Speaking during the event, she shared that she is a mother to children with special needs, an experience that continues to fuel her advocacy.
“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 appealed to government to create inclusive learning environments and urged communities to fight stigma and discrimination against children with disabilities.
Her colleague, Grace Serukenya Kimuli, the Managing Director of the foundation, said their long-term plan goes beyond charity. She revealed that the organisation is designing programmes to equip mothers with digital skills, customer care training, entrepreneurship knowledge, and remote work opportunities to help them achieve financial independence.
“We have captured details of all mothers who attended today’s event and will stay in touch as we develop these empowerment initiatives,” she said.
Serukenya also recounted the unexpected moment that inspired the Lyantonde outreach, a chance encounter aboard a flight from the UK, where her child and that of Rtn Winnie Kahonda bonded mid-air.
“When I learnt she was from Lyantonde, we agreed to organise this event in partnership with Rotary,” she shared, describing the gesture as one born from shared experience and hope.
Rotary leaders hailed the partnership as a powerful example of community service driven by compassion. Rtn Hebert Rwenshehe, the Charter President of the Rotary Club of Lyantonde, applauded Raphatale Foundation and other partners including Lyantonde District Local Government, Lyantonde School of Nursing, and Imelda Memorial Medical Centre for championing the cause of vulnerable families.
“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.
The current President, Rtn Benon Mugume, emphasised Rotary’s commitment to strengthening such humanitarian partnerships to uplift communities.
Representing government, Lyantonde Deputy Resident District Commissioner Vanancio Bagatereyo commended the organisations for targeting a crucial but often marginalised groups.
He urged families of people with disabilities to tap into government programmes such as Emyooga, the Parish Development Model, and disability grants to improve their livelihoods.
The event ended with emotional scenes as mothers expressed gratitude for the support and called for more community-based initiatives to empower caregivers of children with special needs.
Organisers pledged to maintain the momentum, signaling what could be the beginning of a sustained empowerment drive across districts.
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