US envoy calls for support to marginalised communities

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The United States Ambassador to Uganda, William Popp, has underscored the need to work for the betterment of marginalised communities in order to create hope.

The US envoy made the remarks during Nelson Mandela International Day celebrations held at the Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped (KSPH) in Mengo on July 18, 2025.

The day was commemorated globally as a call to action in serving marginalised communities around the world.

“We are reminded that hope is not an abstract. It is tangible. It takes the shape of children learning to read, communities welcoming people of all abilities and individuals refusing to give up on themselves or on others,” Popp said.

The United Nations General Assembly designated Nelson Mandela International Day as a reminder that in a world divided by conflict and inequality, Mandela’s legacy urges us to choose dialogue over hatred, understanding over fear and vengeance, and unity above all.

He added: “Hope is not built on slogans. It is built in classrooms. This is built in the courageous hearts of children who dream beyond their circumstances and in the hands of teachers, caregivers and communities who refuse to let them dream.”

Popp reflected on the significance of Nelson Mandela Day, saying it reminds the world that building a future, particularly one based on the dignity of individuals, is a shared endeavour.

“That is why today's celebration is symbolic. It is collaborative. Today, every one of you is contributing to that effort, and every one of you is honouring the legacy of Nelson Mandela and letting it be true,” he said.

South Africa's Chargé d'Affaires to Kampala, Sebola Solly, used the occasion to emphasise that Nelson Mandela Day is a call for all to recognise the values and legacy of Nelson Mandela towards humanity.

“As Africans and the world at large, we must remain united in our diverse differences. You can be black or white, but we are one people, gifted differently. It is still in everyone’s hands to roll back the frontiers of inequality but above all perpetuate the legacy of Nelson Mandela of Ubuntu,” Sebola said.

He added: “What matters in life is not that you ever lived but about the impact you have made when you are living.”

Sebola stressed that it was time to lend a hand and offer services to those who are marginalised and less privileged.

Don Patrick Bugingo, the president of the Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) Alumni Network of Uganda, said their sh100m fundraising campaign to support major upgrades at KSPH had reached a key milestone.

“Whereas we were looking for sh100m towards an accessibility fund to support infrastructure, scholastic materials and resources at the school, we surpassed this target,” Bugingo said.

He lauded partners for supporting a cause that he said gives back to the marginalised and less privileged learners at KSPH.

“We are now calling upon them (partners) to have no limit upon the kind of effort they are making towards the values of dignity, service and reaching out to communities which are underserved.”

The CEO of Cinat Advertising, Jackson Katende, said the Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped has been put in a better position than it was before.

“The school was struggling in terms of infrastructure, accessibility and many other aspects, and as Cinat Advertising, we played a key role in giving visibility to the situation of the school, which has helped attract partners,” Katende said.

The director of KSPH, Joy Mwesigwa, applauded the partners for their support, but called for more.

“This campaign has made great impact to help support the needs of the school. One of our aims is to ensure children with needs, as much as possible, access education since they have a right as any other child,” he said.

He added: “For example, before Covid, we had 189 children but after Covid, the number dropped as 60 of these dropped out of school because of lack of tuition and effects of Covid. When we did research, we found these were just at home. That’s why we call for other well-wishers to support us.”