Understanding Autism,Advocating for Inclusion and Fighting Stigma

By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu

HEALTH

Mbarara City in Western Uganda became the spotlight for autism awareness during an event organized by Lala’s Day Care and Inclusive. The event, which coincided with Autism Awareness Month, brought together key stakeholders, health experts, caregivers, and members of the community to tackle stigma surrounding autism and promote inclusivity. The awareness campaign started with a march  from Mbarara University of Science and a technology playground around Mbarara city and back.

Rev. Richard Mujuni, representing Bishop Sheldon, commended Lala’s Day Care for addressing autism in the region. Speaking on behalf of the Ankole Diocese, he emphasized the importance of fighting stigma in communities, citing historical and religious instances of marginalization of people with disabilities. He urged society to follow the example of Jesus Christ in embracing and including marginalized groups.

Kauma Gloria, representing Special Children’s NGO, emphasized the organization’s mission to create a supportive ecosystem for children with disabilities and their families. She appealed to stakeholders to focus on resource mobilization, noting the financial challenges faced by parents raising children with autism.

Nalubega Rose Mukuye, a counselor and mother of a child with autism, shared her personal journey. She recalled the difficulties she faced upon her child’s diagnosis at age three and the ongoing struggles with discrimination. Despite the challenges, she encouraged parents not to lose hope and to seek expert advice for their children’s growth and development.

Healthcare professionals also highlighted the significance of early diagnosis and awareness. Dr. Businge Stephen, CEO of Holy Innocents Children’s Hospital, explained that autism is a spectrum of condition, not a disease, and requires careful observation to identify one.

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Dr. Peter, a neuro-pediatrician, urged parents to seek help if their child fails to develop basic speech by one year of age, citing it as an early red flag.

Dr. Roney Bahatungire, Commissioner of Health in charge of Clinical Services, speaking on behalf of Uganda’s Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to addressing autism. He shared statistics on autism prevalence in the country, revealing that one in 1,000 Ugandans is affected. However, he noted the higher prevalence in the Western region, with 150 children diagnosed in the past three years. He stressed the importance of vigilance among parents and teachers to recognize autism signs and avoid stigmatization.

Christine Murungi, Director of Lala’s Day Care and Inclusive, explained the motivation behind their autism awareness campaign in Mbarara. She revealed that the Mbarara Regional Referral Neuro Clinic sees an average of three new autism cases each week. By raising awareness, Lala’s Day Care aims to educate the community and address the marginalization of autistic children in schools.

This event served as a significant step toward creating a more inclusive society. As stakeholders pledged to continue raising awareness and supporting families affected by autism, the hope is to combat stigma and improve the lives of children with autism across Uganda.