Kampala, Uganda — The Executive Director of the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU), Esther Kyozira, has urged the government to prioritize rehabilitation and orthopedic services for persons with disabilities, particularly those in need of artificial limbs.
Speaking during the “Run for Limbs” marathon held at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds, Lugogo, Kyozira emphasized the urgent need for improved access to orthopedic workshops and rehabilitation services across the country.
“We want government to treat this as a national priority, supporting orthopedic workshops and ensuring that persons who become disabled, whether as children or adults, can access rehabilitation and prosthetic limbs,” Kyozira said.
She noted that Uganda faces a growing demand for artificial limbs due to various causes such as road accidents, diabetes, and blood clots, with an estimated 10,000 people losing their limbs annually. The high cost of replacement averaging UGX 4 million per limb has left many amputees, especially in rural areas, unable to afford prosthetic support.
“This year, as part of our advocacy efforts, we decided to run for limbs to raise funds for 200 artificial limbs, which will cost about UGX 800 million. We believe that with public support, we can help restore mobility, dignity, and confidence to those who have lost their limbs,” she added.
Kyozira also highlighted the challenges faced in government health facilities, where orthopedic workshops are often under-resourced and understaffed. As a result, many patients turn to private hospitals where services are prohibitively expensive.
“Government referral hospitals are supposed to provide artificial limbs, but often there are no materials or personnel available. Patients are forced to wait for months or seek help from private facilities they cannot afford,” she explained.
Beyond artificial limbs, Kyozira stressed that other essential rehabilitation services such as access to wheelchairs and assistive devices also receive minimal attention and funding from the Ministry of Health.
“For persons with disabilities to regain independence and confidence, they must have access to rehabilitation. We call on government to allocate adequate resources and strengthen human capacity in rehabilitation centers,” she appealed.
The marathon attracted hundreds of participants, both runners and walkers, united under the theme “Run for Limbs” to raise awareness and funds for amputees.
NUDIPU Vice Board Chairperson Robina Ssewagudde, expressed gratitude to all who supported the cause.
“By the close of Saturday, November 8, we had received over UGX 10 million from kit sales and donations from partner organizations. The proceeds will be handed over to the Amputees Self-Help Network, which brings together members of the amputee community,” she noted.
Ssewagudde encouraged continued public support towards initiatives that uplift and empower vulnerable communities across Uganda.
