Assistive devices bring new hope to Kamuli children with cerebral palsy
Katalemwa Cheshire Executive Director, Mr Herbert Tuhumwire rallies the public on care support and inclusion of children with cerebral palsy at Makoka Namwendwa sub-county in Kamuli on Tuesday. Photo | SAM CALEB OPIO
What you need to know:
- The Kamuli District chairperson, Mr Maxwell Kuwembula, said cerebral palsy is one of the neglected diseases yet it affects the country in terms of productivity.
Children with cerebral palsy in Kamuli have received a special Christmas gift - assistive devices courtesy of Katalemwa Cheshire Rehabilitation Home, an NGO. The devices, worth Shs23 million, include wheelchairs, standing frames, cerebral palsy chairs, elbow crutches, a tricycle, a toilet seat, and a walker.
"This is an early Christmas package for them," said Mr Kenneth Nangayi, Program Manager at Katalemwa Cheshire Rehabilitation Home. "Christmas is always celebrated in happiness. So I decided to donate these devices to these children so that they can enjoy their Christmas in happiness since this want makes their life comfortable."
According to Mr Nangayi, 708 children in Kamuli District are diagnosed with mental, physical, and psychological related illnesses, manifesting themselves as epilepsy and cerebral palsy disabilities. However, most of the parents of these children are financially incapacitated to afford the assistive devices.
Mr. Nangayi appealed to all well-wishers to come to their rescue so that they can also be able to move with the help of those devices. He attributed cerebral palsy to delayed labor, domestic violence, maternal drug and alcohol use during pregnancy, and lack of oxygen at birth.
The Kamuli District chairperson, Mr Maxwell Kuwembula, said cerebral palsy is one of the neglected diseases yet it affects the country in terms of productivity.
"This disease greatly affects the country in terms of productivity and disease burden as the parent is 'tied' home taking care of the sick child," he said.
Mr Kuwembula lauded Katalemwa for the tireless efforts in promoting the pride of children with cerebral palsy. He challenged the government to increase its funding towards sign language interpreters, teachers, physiotherapists, and provision of mobility devices to lift off the burden from the parents, often the mother.
Mr Herbert Tuhumwire, the Executive Director of Katalemwa Cheshire Home, pledged the continued support of children with cerebral palsy despite the limited resources the organisation owns.
As the children received their assistive devices, their faces lit up with joy and excitement. The devices will undoubtedly make a significant difference in their lives, enabling them to move around with greater ease and independence.
