XFM radio presenter Mathangu Stewart (MC MATS) held a fundraising drive aimed at raising funds for autism-related projects.

The 2024 fundraiser took place at Kati Kati restaurant yesterday (Sunday) and the event was attended by children, youth and women that subscribe to the different organizations that offer support to people with autism-related health complications

Mats, who is the founder and executive director of Mats Visionary Heart Initiative said he started the organization because two of his uncles were born with autism.  

“I have two uncles that had autism-related challenges and being with them enabled me to learn more about autism and it's the reason why I came up with this organization and such initiatives aimed at raising funds and also raising awareness about autism in Uganda,” he said.

Other organizations that participated in the fundraiser was Advancing Autism Family Support, Diverse Minds, Uganda among others.

Dr Prossy Nakanwagi, a member of the Advancing Autism Family Support, said that the celebrity car wash edition event was aimed at raising funds for fighting stigma and discrimination of children affected by autism.  

“We want to use such platforms and events to tell Ugandans more about autism and we would like to tell them that autism is not caused by witchcraft. It is a condition that naturally happens and we call upon parents to stop using witchcraft in handling autism-related cases,” she said.

She said autism can be handled if diagnosed early and there are so many ways that can help a child with autism-related challenges.  

“We also want parents to identify skills and talents that these children have so they can nurture them,” she advised.

The day's entertainment was provided by the Good Vybes Band which entertained the guests until 9pm.