Our Story | About Rowan’s Down Syndrome Programs in Uganda
Rowan’s Down syndrome Awareness Center (RDSAC) is a registered Ugandan NGO dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and adults with Down syndrome and their families. Based in Hoima City and serving the Bunyoro sub-region and beyond, we are building a future where every person with Down syndrome is valued, supported, and empowered to live a full and meaningful life.
Across Uganda, an estimated 50,000+ individuals live with Down syndrome. Many face stigma, limited access to healthcare, and inadequate support systems. RDSAC exists to change that reality.
Our Foundation
In 2018, Mildred Katusabe, a proud Munyoro from Hoima, welcomed her son, Rowan. A few weeks later, she learned that Rowan had Down syndrome. Like many parents, Mildred and her husband, Christopher Cripps, found themselves on an unexpected journey, one filled with questions, uncertainty, and the need to learn how best to support their child quickly.
As they navigated the realities of raising a child with Down syndrome, they faced both emotional and practical challenges, including ensuring Rowan received the specialized care he needed. One of the most difficult moments was supporting him through a life-saving open-heart surgery in India. Through it all, their love for Rowan grew stronger, and so did their determination to give him every opportunity to thrive.
Along this journey, Mildred realized that many other families were facing similar experiences, often without the information, support, or community they needed. This realization sparked a vision: to turn their personal journey into a source of hope and empowerment for others.
Today, Rowan’s Down Syndrome Awareness Centre (RDSAC) exists to raise awareness, provide support, and build an inclusive community where every child with Down syndrome is valued, supported, and allowed to reach their full potential.
Our Mission
To create and run a national/regional center of excellence, providing high-quality and affordable services that will ultimately show how people with Down syndrome in Bunyoro, Uganda, and East Africa at large can lead normal and full lives.
Our Vision
Our vision is that the 50,000+ people with Down syndrome in Uganda become independent, self-sufficient, and generally accepted by society, overcoming the stigma and daily challenges that they and their families face.
RDSAC Team
Our leadership structure is built for impact, combining vision, expertise, and community-driven action. Guided by our founders and led through a strong project management system, each role from outreach to therapy and health coordination works in sync to deliver holistic support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. This structure ensures efficiency, accountability, and a shared commitment to inclusion and empowerment.
Meet The RDSAC Team
MILDRED KATUSABE CRIPPS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER
CHRISTOPHER CRIPPS
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER
EMANZI CHRISTOPHER
PROJECT MANAGER
KIIZA FAUSTINE
FINANCE OFFICER
OLIVER BIRUNGI
OUTREACH OFFICER
NALUKWAGO ALICE
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST
ATWEBEMBEIRE MARTIN
HEALTH CORDINATOR
SHAMSA BIRUNGI
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Membership
RDSAC registers all people with Down syndrome in Bunyoro as its members. Members, their families, and carers meet quarterly when the RDSAC program is reviewed and commented upon. Individuals share their own experiences and seek mutual self-support. This has proved to be a cathartic process. For many it has been the first time they have interacted with others having the same challenges. Members have received certain support as a group from donors, such as the Covid medicines that were donated by Everett and Austin and the 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Christmas food and clothing that were supported by the Marafiki Foundation and M3 Housing. These have made a huge difference to the lives of members and their caregivers. Members have established self-help groups in their respective districts, where they come together to work on self-sustainability projects and share their experiences.
Developments So Far
Rowan’s Down Syndrome Awareness Centre founder, Mildred Katusabe, began by making contact (through community networks and medical professionals) and conducted interviews with 20 people with Down syndrome in the Hoima District.
Her Observations
Observation I
In many cases, medical professionals did not diagnose Down syndrome at birth or subsequently.
Action so far
OUTREACH: Information on Down syndrome has been given to 46 health centers’ staff and village health teams in Hoima District.
Observation II
Some parents did not know about the causes and effects of Down syndrome. There is a need to provide information for parents of people with Down syndrome, especially at the ante-natal and neo-natal stages. Some men left their wives after finding out their children have Down syndrome, blaming it on the women
Action so far
MEMBERS SELF-SUPPORT: 120 people with Down syndrome plus their family members, care-givers (total 210 members) enlisted. Mutual appreciation of challenges and solutions, self-advocacy has become a very powerful outcome.
Observation III
People with Down syndrome are being called “zonto” or :wire” meaning “mad,” and therefore suffer from abuse.
Action so far
AWARENESS: Media, social media campaigns, and radio talk shows have started to sensitize the general public about Down syndrome.
Observation IV
There is a lack of therapies and support services for people with Down syndrome in Bunyoro.
Action so far
THERAPY AND MEDICAL SERVICES Have begun to be for people with Down syndrome in Bunyoro. RDSAC is developing a “play scheme” approach to diagnosis and treatment. One (1) Physiotherapist, two (2) Speech Therapists, and one (1) Office Admin (person living with Down syndrome) have been enrolled, and relationships have been developed with specialized medical service providers to provide services and therapies.
Developing RDSAC
We have developed and are following the RDSAC 2021-2028 strategic plan. Under this plan, we were able to rent and set up new premises and kept up-to-date with NGO Bureau, URSB, and URA returns, filing, administration, and financial and operating procedures excellently.
We have developed a model of working with health personnel as Focal persons and Members Support Persons in each District centered on care-giver groups
We have developed a model of working with health personnel as Focal persons and Members Support Persons in each District centered on care-giver groups
2025 Priorities
Expanding from 3 to 5 districts to accomplish our goal of working through out Bunyoro region.
Extending membership towards 200 through Health Centres and VHTs.
We are strengthening our model to directly reach and support our members through the Support Groups
Starting up more Speech Therapy sessions in all the districts that we are operating in
Continue to work with schools for inclusive education
Setting up a US charity foundation for long term financial sustainability
Establishing the long-term mission of becoming a model and Centre of Excellence for People with Down syndrome in the East African Community.
We are looking forward to search for funding and grants for the Support groups in Hoima and Kikuube given that Masindi and Kigorobya groups have now got start up.
Extending membership towards 200 through Health Centres and VHTs.
We are strengthening our model to directly reach and support our members through the Support Groups
Starting up more Speech Therapy sessions in all the districts that we are operating in
Continue to work with schools for inclusive education
Setting up a US charity foundation for long term financial sustainability
Establishing the long-term mission of becoming a model and Centre of Excellence for People with Down syndrome in the East African Community.
We are looking forward to search for funding and grants for the Support groups in Hoima and Kikuube given that Masindi and Kigorobya groups have now got start up.
APPROX. 5400000LIVE WITH DS GLOBALLY