ALLAN KUTOS & ABRYL

WHEN ‘OSCAR’ BECAME A HERO OFF SCREEN: ALLAN KUTOS KATONGOLE’S BEAUTIFUL BOND WITH A SPECIAL FAN

Allan and Abryl

While casually scrolling through social media, I stumbled upon a video that completely stopped me in my tracks. It wasn’t just heartwarming, it brought tears to my eyes. I had to find out more, and so I reached out to the person at the center of it all: award-winning Ugandan actor Allan Kutos Katongole.

The video showed Allan taking part in a charity event dedicated to children living with autism. But what truly moved me was the authenticity in his presence, the joy on his face, the connection he shared with the boy. They looked like two brothers. I asked him how he got involved, and his story was as touching as the video itself.

Video of Allan Kutos and Abryl

Some time ago, Allan featured in Uganda Dance Night, a performance event by renowned dancer Valentino Richard Kabenge. During the show, a young boy named Abryl Niwagaba, who was born with Down syndrome, recognized Allan from the popular TV drama SANYU. Overwhelmed with excitement, Abryl ran up to him and hugged him tightly, calling him “Oscar”, the name of Allan’s character in the show.

Allan at Uganda Dance Nights

That simple but powerful encounter sparked a lasting bond between the two. Abryl’s parents, Mrs. Rose Nambooze Niwagaba and Mr. Alfred Niwagaba, were deeply moved; they had never seen their son so overjoyed. For days, he couldn’t stop talking about meeting “Oscar,” his favorite TV star.

As it turns out, Abryl’s parents had founded Angel’s Center for Children with Special Needs, a school in Mende-Wakiso devoted to children like their son. Around the time Abryl met Allan, his mother, Rose, was launching a heartfelt book titled “ABRYL – Born with Down Syndrome: A Journey of Significance.” Naturally, Allan was invited to the book launch.

The book, which was launched

Allan cleared his schedule because I remember I was asking him to be around for something I was working but he told me he had a charity event slated and he had to be there. What happened next was unforgettable. As soon as Allan arrived at the event, Abryl forgot everyone else, even his parents, and spent the entire event glued to Allan’s side. The love was pure, raw, and unconditional. Allan later told me that he had never experienced such genuine affection, the kind that makes you forget the world and just be present. “Abryl was having the time of his life,” Allan said. “And I let him do whatever he wanted.”

This story is a beautiful reminder to all artists and actors: Do what you do with excellence and heart. You never know whose life your work may touch. Allan was simply portraying a character, “Oscar”, but that role reached into the heart of a child and created a life-changing connection.

Thank you, Allan Kutos Katongole, for being more than just a star on screen, for being a beacon of kindness and presence in Abryl’s life. And thank you to Abryl’s parents for opening the doors to this beautiful friendship.