Ecobank Uganda marked this year’s Ecobank Day 2025 with a heartfelt donation of assistive equipment and digital learning tools to Angel’s Centre for Children with Special Needs in Wakiso District, underscoring its commitment to fostering inclusive education and community development. The donation aligns with this year’s theme, “Enabling Inclusive Learning for All,” as the bank continues to support children with special needs in accessing functional and inclusive education.
Grace Muliisa, Managing Director of Ecobank Uganda, highlighted that this year’s celebration holds special meaning for the bank. "Ecobank Day is particularly significant as we celebrate 40 years of Ecobank’s presence on the African continent, 13 years of the Ecobank Foundation’s support for education, and 16 and a half years of service to Uganda," she shared. Muliisa also noted that Ecobank employees from 32 African countries were taking the day to give back to their communities.
The donation, made in collaboration with Simplifi Networks, media personalities Allan Katongole (Oscar) and Victoria Nyanzi, included 25 digital tablets, CP assistive chairs, food supplies, and other vital materials to enhance the functionality and learning experience of the children at Angel’s Centre.
Muliisa expressed a personal connection to the cause: “Today, we chose Angel’s Centre because what I’ve witnessed here deeply moves me as a mother.” She commended the founders, Mr. and Mrs. Nuwagaba, for their vision and dedication in establishing the centre, which has supported over 350 children and families in Wakiso over the last 13 years.
“We are here to honor them and the parents who continue their remarkable work,” she said, adding that Ugandans need to cultivate a stronger culture of local giving. “Foreign aid is drying up, and now is the time for us to step up and support causes like this. As Ugandans, we are known for our generosity-let’s extend it to support local initiatives.”
Founded in 2012 by Rosemary Nambooze Nuwagaba and her husband, Angel’s Centre provides vital care and services for children with special needs, particularly those with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and other developmental conditions. The centre currently serves 55 resident children and another 82 in the community, with a dedicated staff of over 30 people.
Rosemary Nuwagaba, the Executive Director, explained the challenges of running the centre: “The cost of raising a child with a disability is high. We require assistive devices, therapy equipment, medication, hygiene materials, and, most importantly, qualified staff. Our children often have digestive complications, making feeding especially demanding.”
The centre also offers essential psychosocial support to caregivers, many of whom struggle with emotional and social challenges related to raising children with special needs. Nuwagaba emphasized the importance of community involvement: “What we ask of Ugandans is simple commitment. If everyone reaches out to even one child or family, it can change a life.”
She expressed gratitude to Ecobank for choosing to celebrate Ecobank Day at Angel’s Centre, saying, “We are honored to host one of the most prestigious banking institutions. Their support shows that people care, and that brings hope to our children and their caregivers."