By Lumpe Media
Leaders in Amuria District have renewed calls for increased support for persons with disabilities following the donation of 50 wheelchairs by OJ Care Mobility Foundation.
The donation has been hailed as a major breakthrough for beneficiaries who have long struggled with mobility challenges that limited their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Resident District Commissioner Paul Eseru said the wheelchairs would enable beneficiaries to participate more effectively in government wealth-creation programs.
“Many of our people with disabilities have been unable to access opportunities because of mobility challenges. These wheelchairs will help them benefit from programs such as PDM, Emyooga, and other government interventions,” he said.
Eseru thanked the foundation for its generosity and appealed for additional support, noting that many residents are still in urgent need of assistive devices.
Member of Parliament for Persons with Disabilities Robert Sewagudde described the donation as a significant boost to efforts aimed at improving the welfare of PWDs.
“This support restores hope and dignity to people who have been waiting for assistance for a long time. It shows what can be achieved when organizations partner with communities,” he said.
Sewagudde urged development partners to prioritize disability inclusion and dedicate a portion of their budgets to programs benefiting persons with disabilities.
National Female MP for Persons with Disabilities Laura Kanushu said mobility aids remain one of the biggest unmet needs among persons with disabilities across the country.
“A wheelchair is not just equipment. It is freedom, independence, and opportunity. Without it, many people are confined to one place and denied the chance to participate fully in society,” she said.
Kanushu challenged government to strengthen investment in assistive devices and make public programs more accessible to persons with disabilities.
She also expressed concern over the large number of children with disabilities who remain out of school because of inaccessible infrastructure and shortages of special-needs teachers.
While commending disability leaders in Amuria for mobilizing support, Kanushu urged leaders in other districts to lobby for similar interventions.
The donation by OJ Care Mobility Foundation is expected to improve the quality of life for dozens of beneficiaries, but leaders say much more remains to be done to ensure persons with disabilities are fully included in Uganda’s social and economic transformation.
