Who We Are
Together, Helping Another
NELFAM is a community-based disability support organisation in Wakiso, Uganda, dedicated to improving the lives of children and adolescents with Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder through early intervention, family empowerment, and community advocacy.
Our Story
NELFAM Down Syndrome and Autism Support Center
NELFAM Down Syndrome and Autism Support Center is a community-based disability support organisation based in Wakiso, Uganda, dedicated to improving the lives of children and adolescents aged 0–18 years with Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through early intervention, family empowerment, inclusive education support, and community advocacy.
Founded by parents, educators, health professionals, and community advocates, NELFAM was established in response to the severe lack of accessible specialised services for children with developmental disabilities in underserved Ugandan communities.
Our Future
Currently transitioning from a Community-Based Organisation (CBO) to full Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) status in Uganda, NELFAM is working to strengthen families, reduce stigma, and expand access to safe and inclusive disability support services. The organisation aims to develop a sustainable and inclusive model of disability care, advocacy, and family support through partnerships, capacity building, and community engagement.
With a long-term vision of becoming a trusted center of excellence for Down syndrome and autism support in Uganda and the Eastern part of Africa, NELFAM is committed to advancing dignity, inclusion, opportunity, and long-term impact for children with developmental disabilities and their families.
Our Approach
While serving children and adolescents across the developmental spectrum, NELFAM places particular emphasis on supporting children from birth to age five, recognising early childhood as a critical developmental window for intervention, communication, learning, and long-term inclusion outcomes.
Our approach combines early intervention, therapeutic support, caregiver empowerment, inclusive education support, and community outreach to help children with disabilities achieve their full potential. Through collaboration with families, schools, health facilities, and community stakeholders, NELFAM promotes child-centered, inclusive, and evidence-informed support systems that strengthen both children and their caregivers.
“Because every child deserves a better life today, and a brighter tomorrow.”
Our Work
What we exist to do
NELFAM is building a unifying center where children with Down syndrome and autism can find services that are often difficult to access — all in one place.
Specialised Medication & Health Support
Access to timely, appropriate medication remains one of the greatest challenges facing families. We guide caregivers, facilitate referrals, and support follow-up for continuity of care. We are working toward a Specialised Medical Center for children with Down syndrome and autism.
Specialised Education & Learning Support
We provide and advocate for individualised educational support, scholastic materials, and inclusive schooling. Our long-term goal is a Specialised Education center delivering quality education tailored to each child's needs.
Inclusion, Belonging & Social Participation
We promote inclusion in education, recreation, and community life, and stand against stigma by engaging communities through awareness campaigns and advocacy.
Family Empowerment & Partnership
We support caregivers through training, guidance, peer connection, and practical aid — so families feel equipped, strengthened, and never alone on this journey.
Core Values
The principles that guide everything we do
These values are not just words — they shape every programme, every interaction, and every decision we make at NELFAM.
Dignity & Respect
We uphold the inherent worth of every child, serving with compassion and cultural sensitivity.
Inclusion & Belonging
We promote full participation and actively address stigma through awareness and advocacy.
Child-Centered Support
We tailor services to each child's unique strengths and developmental needs.
Family Partnership
We partner with caregivers through training, peer support, and practical resources.
Safeguarding
We maintain safe, nurturing environments guided by ethical practice and confidentiality.
Evidence-Informed Practice
We use evidence-informed approaches and continuous evaluation to stay effective.
Integrity & Accountability
We act transparently, welcome feedback, and are accountable to our communities.
Collaboration
We work with schools, health professionals, and leaders to expand service access.
Our Commitment
A right, not a privilege
NELFAM is committed to building a future where children with Down syndrome and autism can access the care, education, and opportunities they need — not as a privilege, but as a right.
We are working toward a stronger national presence so families across Uganda can rely on a single center that provides support, referrals, guidance, and inclusive services — from early childhood through to adolescence.
“Every child deserves a better life today, and a brighter tomorrow.”
Our Team
The people behind NELFAM
NELFAM is driven by passionate parents, educators, therapists, community advocates, and volunteers committed to improving the lives of children with Down syndrome and autism in Uganda.
Mr.Kasozi Geofrey
Founder & Executive Director
Mr.Sewankambo Noah
Board of Directors Chairperson
Miss.Nakanwagi Lilian
Finance Manager
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