Mothers urged to embrace and support children with disabilities during Mama FM talk show

11 May 2026, 4:27 pm

Byamukama Alozious

As Uganda joined the rest of the world in marking Mother’s Day, mothers and disability advocates speaking on a live program hosted by Mama FM called on families and communities to embrace, educate and support children living with disabilities instead of hiding or neglecting them.

The live talk show, held under the theme “Raising Children with Disabilities – Holding for a Bright Future,” focused on inclusion, parental responsibility and economic empowerment for families caring for children with disabilities. The interactive program attracted callers and listeners from different parts of Uganda and abroad.

Speaking during the show, Rest Nakaliisa, a coordinator working with children with disabilities under Early Children Ministries, said many children with disabilities continue to face stigma and isolation in their communities. She urged parents to stop hiding their children and instead support them to access education and opportunities.

“God knows why he gave you that child,” Nakaliisa said during the discussion. “Parents should love and support these children because they also have a future and potential to succeed.”

Nakaliisa explained that her work involves identifying and supporting vulnerable children with disabilities, including children with albinism and those with physical impairments. She said through community outreach and empowerment programs, many families have received support projects such as piggery farming, charcoal businesses and small-scale enterprises to improve their livelihoods.

According to her, approximately 300 children with different forms of disabilities have so far been reached through the organization’s interventions.

She also shared success stories of young people with disabilities who have transformed their lives through hard work and empowerment. One such story involved a young man who started selling stationery items after receiving guidance and encouragement, eventually opening his own shop.

Nakaliisa emphasized that economic empowerment is critical for families raising children with disabilities, adding that many mothers continue to struggle after being abandoned by their partners.

“Even when the man runs away, mothers should remain strong, work hard and continue supporting their families,” she said.

During the discussion, Ordinand Scovia Ssenyonjo appealed to parents to prioritize education for children with disabilities, saying many children are still denied opportunities because of negative attitudes in schools and communities.

“We should encourage parents to take children with disabilities to school,” Ssenyonjo said. “Some children may have physical challenges, but they still have abilities and talents that can help them succeed in life.”

She noted that discrimination remains a challenge, with some schools reluctant to admit children with disabilities. She also condemned the continued practice of hiding children in homes, saying it denies them their rights and future opportunities.

The discussion further highlighted broader accessibility challenges in Uganda, where public buildings and services often fail to cater adequately for persons with disabilities.

Host Robina Nanfuka applauded listeners for actively participating in the discussion and reaffirmed Mama FM’s commitment to promoting inclusive programming that amplifies the voices of marginalized communities.

The program also received praise from callers, including Frederick Kabogooza, a Ugandan based in Dubai, who commended the station for consistently addressing issues affecting vulnerable groups and promoting social inclusion.

Speakers on the show encouraged communities to view children with disabilities positively and to support mothers who shoulder the responsibility of caring for them. They stressed that with love, education and empowerment, children with disabilities can live productive and meaningful lives.

The Mother’s Day program served as both a celebration of motherhood and a platform to advocate for dignity, inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in Uganda.