Upasuaji International Calls for Greater Inclusion of People with Down Syndrome in East Africa

Upasuaji International has called for greater inclusion of people with Down syndrome in communities, workplaces and public life across East Africa, saying efforts must move beyond awareness to creating societies where people with disabilities can fully belong.

 

The call was made by Lynsay Balumuka, Executive Director of Upasuaji International and Executive Producer of the award-winning documentary A Man Like Sam, during the film’s Kampala premiere on Thursday.

 

Balumuka said while organisations and families have made progress in creating awareness about Down syndrome, much more needs to be done to ensure people living with the condition are given opportunities to participate and thrive in society.

 

“We have built these Centres to be a resource for parents and family navigating this journey we are sharing. However, the work within our walls is only part of the work,” Balumuka said.

She said her greatest hope is to see a society where inclusion is not confined to specialised centres but becomes part of everyday life.

 

“Our Centres are here to help businesses become inclusive employers, to help neighbours become informed allies, and to help our community move past ‘awareness’ toward true belonging,” she said.

 

Balumuka said businesses, communities and individuals all have a role to play in changing perceptions about people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.

 

She urged employers to create opportunities for people with disabilities, while calling on communities to become better informed and more supportive.

 

“Inclusion isn’t a solo journey; it takes every one of us,” she said.

 

Balumuka’s call comes at a time when families raising children with Down syndrome continue to face misconceptions and social barriers that can limit access to opportunities and participation in society.

 

She said her own experience as a parent has strengthened her determination to advocate for a society that sees children beyond their diagnoses.

 

“When I look at my child, I don’t see a diagnosis; I see his constant desire to learn, his hilarious sense of humor, and someone who could change the world if the world was brave enough to see through his eyes,” she said.

 

Sam’s story brings the message to life

 

Balumuka was speaking during the Kampala premiere of A Man Like Sam, which tells the story of Samuel Mugabi, a Ugandan man with Down syndrome who is challenging societal expectations through his journey towards independence.

 

The documentary explores Sam’s life and the role of family support, parental advocacy and community opportunity in helping people with intellectual disabilities realise their potential.

 

Told partly through Sam’s own voice, the film also features reflections from his family, Balumuka and Diana Mutoni.

 

The documentary forms part of Upasuaji International’s “Advocacy on Screen” initiative, which seeks to use storytelling to challenge stigma, correct misconceptions and promote dignity and inclusion for people with Down syndrome across East Africa.

 

International recognition

 

A Man Like Sam has received recognition on the international film festival circuit.

 

Its director, Ugandan actor, filmmaker and musician Maurice Kirya, has received Best Director honours at the Hollywood International Indie Film Festival and Cinema Royal Paris.

 

The documentary has also won Best Short Documentary at the Alpine International Film Festival in Switzerland and Best International Film at the Brittany International Film Festival in France.

 

It received an Honorable Mention at Scotland’s Scarlett International Film Festival and was named a Semi-Finalist at Cannes Indie Shorts in France.

 

The film was also nominated at the New York Shorts International Film Festival and is set to compete at the “I Will Tell” International Film Festival in London in September 2026.

 

For Upasuaji International, however, the film’s significance goes beyond its international recognition.

 

Balumuka said the broader objective is to use Sam’s story and similar stories to encourage East African societies to rethink disability and create environments where people with Down syndrome are valued, supported and included.

 

“Let’s build a community where no one is left behind, and where every child is valued for exactly who they are,” she said.