When District Governor Geoffrey Martin Kitakule visited Abigail Foundation Centre for Children with Disabilities, he witnessed what Service Above Self looks like in motion. Joined by Rotary Club of Kampala South, Rotary Club of Buwate, and Rotary Club of Uptown Kampala, the DG’s team stepped into a space where compassion meets action.
Founded and led by Director Harriet Nampero, Abigail Foundation is a Ugandan non-profit transforming lives through holistic care, therapy, education, and family support. With two campuses in Wakiso and Mukono, the Centre runs both residential and day programmes for children with Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, intellectual disability, and more.
The numbers tell a powerful story: 52 children are directly supported under the residential programme, while 250 more are reached through community outreaches. These outreaches deliver physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, caregiver training, and family support to children who cannot access the Centre daily. A dedicated team of 25 staff, including therapists, educators, and caregivers, ensures every child receives individualized care designed to unlock their fullest potential.
The impact is visible. Parents report gains in mobility, communication, and independence. Vocational training and special needs education are building pathways to dignity and self-reliance. Beyond the children, Abigail Foundation is shifting mindsets and reducing stigma, helping communities embrace inclusion as a strength, not a challenge.
Challenges remain. Transport gaps limit access to essential services. Nutritional needs persist for vulnerable families. The Centre also faces shortages of specialized professionals, inclusive learning materials, and assistive devices like wheelchairs, walkers, hearing aids, and visual aids. These tools are not luxuries. They are the bridge between exclusion and participation.
DG Kitakule’s visit was more than ceremonial. It was a reminder that when Rotary partners with frontline champions like Harriet and her team, hope scales. With increased support and partnerships, Abigail Foundation can reach more children, strengthen families, and build a truly inclusive society.
Get involved: Sponsor a child’s therapy, donate an assistive device, or partner on transport and nutrition support. Together, we turn ability into possibility.
