Buyende, Uganda: As the world celebrated Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11, Becky’s Child Foundation marked the occasion by visiting and supporting mothers of vulnerable children in Gumpi Sub-county, Buyende District with assistive mobility devices and words of hope.
Among the beneficiaries were Safinah Nabirye, aged 3 and living with hydrocephalus; Helen Namukose, 16, with cerebral palsy; and Sulaiman Kawooma, who has a physical disability.
Rebecca Alitwala Mubezi, CEO of Becky’s Child Foundation, said the gesture was aimed at recognizing and uplifting mothers who care for children with special needs, often in silence and without support.
“This Mother’s Day, we chose to walk alongside these unsung heroines; mothers raising children with disabilities,” Mubezi said. “They face enormous challenges, yet remain committed with unmatched love.”
Mubezi urged families and communities to mentor, expose, and protect vulnerable children, especially girls, through positive interaction and strong parental bonds.
Buyende District Community Development Officer Denis Isabirye hailed the foundation’s efforts, noting that many such mothers are often overlooked. “Most families still hide children with disabilities due to stigma, associating them with curses or witchcraft. This act of love by Becky’s Foundation is transformative.”
Juliuss Otai, Senior Psychiatric Clinical Officer in the Busoga region, revealed that 708 children in Kamuli District have been diagnosed with mental and physical disabilities linked to epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and birth complications.
He called for increased government funding to provide mobility aids, sign language interpreters, therapists, and counselors. “These children are often kept in confinement, unable to learn, speak, or socialize. Early intervention and community support can significantly improve their conditions,” Otai said.
He further advised parents to seek specialized treatment from Cure Children’s Hospital in Mbale for hydrocephalus and Katalemwa Cheshire Home in Entebbe for physical rehabilitation.
Faridah Namulondo, the mother of Safinah Nabirye, expressed overwhelming joy after receiving a mobility device for her daughter, saying it has restored hope. “What you did for us has brought life and smiles. Safinah can now try speaking, falls sick less often, and I can finally focus on work,” she shared.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
