Ugandan Rotarian honored for championing education for disabled

A Wakiso-based educationist, Rosemary Nambooze is among the six Rotarians around the World to be honoured as a Rotary People of Action.

Nambooze is particularly hailed for championing inclusion for educating and nurturing children with intellectual disabilities in Uganda. A Rotary International statement issued today Tuesday said Nambooze will present her work at the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa on April 4, 2023, with an audience of philanthropists, notables, and Rotary members.

The event will be part of the efforts by Rotary members throughout the world to take action in strengthening and empowering historically marginalized and underrepresented communities. They are targeting the improvement to access to health services, education, economic opportunities, and civic participation. 

In Uganda, several experts have on several occasions raised concern about the failure of schools to implement inclusive education. A mother to a child with down syndrome, Nambooze realized the lack of social support for children with disabilities and the stigma they were facing.

She founded the Angel’s Center for Children with Special Needs in 2012, which provides tailored education and therapy services, as well as assistance for caregivers and teachers. As a member of the Rotary Club of Wakiso, she is also active in supporting disability-inclusive education measures in schools including accessible infrastructure and adaptive curricula and teaching methods.

Her work has reportedly impacted over 150 children and 200 vulnerable families of children with intellectual disabilities, including down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism. Nambooze has also been a tireless advocate against “mercy killings”, a practice whereby parents kill their disabled children.

“Every child deserves to live with dignity and to be given the best chance at a bright future,” said Nambooze.

“I’m honoured to receive this award and I will continue to be a voice for these children and break the silence on disability by assuring they’re recognized as equal members of society. Behind every disability is a human with the potential to flourish.”

Rotary International president Jennifer Jones said the actions taken by these Rotary members exemplifies the organization’s approach to bringing people together to cultivate a more just, open and inclusive world.

“We are an organization that finds common ground in our humanity and in our desire to create lasting change in our communities, the world and in ourselves. Every day, we leverage our members’ diverse perspectives to fight inequalities, foster peace, and address humanitarian challenges across the globe.” 

Rotary members throughout the world develop and implement sustainable, community-driven projects that fight disease, promote peace, provide clean water, support education, save mothers and children, grow local economies and protect the environment. Over $5.5 billion has been awarded through The Rotary Foundation to support these programs worldwide.