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Children at the school of the deaf at the assembly in Ntungamo
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By Jovita Hasto
Rweera Unit for the Deaf, which has cared for children with hearing impairments for over 20 years, is appealing to the government for increased support to help meet the growing needs of its learners.
Founded by the Catholic Church of Rweera Parish, the school is partially facilitated by the government but struggles to operate on the limited funding it receives — especially given the poverty levels of many parents who bring their children for care and education.
The school currently has a population of over 100 children with various impairments. The unit’s administrators say more government support is urgently needed to cover basic needs such as education, medical care, feeding, and special services.
Sister Josephine Owamukama, head of caretakers at the Rweera Unit for the Deaf, explained that the children come not only from Ntungamo communities but also from areas such as Isingiro, Kabale, Fort Portal, Kasese, and beyond.
“We have children with Down syndrome, autism, hearing impairments, and other conditions. They are 104 in total and come from different parts of the country,” she said.
Members from VIVA Caring Hearts addressing journalists in Ntungamo
She added that caring for children with multiple and severe impairments is challenging because the support from both parents and government is often insufficient.
“Most parents can only pay a small amount — some pay as little as Shs 10,000 or Shs 30,000, depending on what they can afford,” Sr Owamukama said.
“The facilitation we receive from the government is also not enough to meet all the needs of these children. They need school fees paid, medical care covered, and proper nutrition to boost their health, but the money we receive is too little. We request more support.”
Bishop Nathan Kamusiime Gasanura, chairman of VIVA Caring Hearts Foundation, who visited the school, urged the community to remember that disability is not inability. He emphasized that children with disabilities deserve care, love, and support from both their families and the wider community.
“We need to show love to these children. They need education and can grow to become important people in society. The community should not stigmatize them,” he said.
Bishop Gasanura also highlighted the role the Church must play in sensitizing communities about children with disabilities. “As the Church, we encourage parents not to abandon their children when they have impairments. They need our love and support because disability is not inability,” he added.
Mr. Elick Kahumuza, founder of VIVA Caring Hearts Foundation, noted that many people still do not realize that children with disabilities have the right to attend school and live full lives.
Through their “Seeds of Impact” campaign, the foundation is working to reach out to families and provide essential support, especially food for the children at the school.
“Through our projects, we want to solicit 10,000 tonnes of good food materials to ensure these children have enough to eat. We understand that they need nutritious food and supplements to help them grow well,” Kahumuza said.
Torch Media Africa
