By Delux Emmy Alomu
KATAKWI
On a bright Friday, July 10th, 2026, Katakwi District became a place of joy and hope. Twenty people with disabilities gathered at the district council hall, many arriving on motorcycles or bicycles, some carried by friends.
They came to receive wheelchairs donated by Opul Skilling Foundation Africa (OSFA) in partnership with Rhema Development Foundation and Hope for Health Affairs Global .
Vice President Major (retired) Jessica Alupo, represented by Teso Affairs State Minister Dr. Kenneth Clement Ongalo Obote, spoke at the event. She encouraged civil society and the private sector to unite in finding real solutions to improve the lives of Ugandans, especially those with disabilities.
She emphasized that support should go beyond giving assistive devices, including education, skills training, and economic opportunities.
“Today is more than a donation ceremony,” she said. “It is a reminder that with the right tools, every person can contribute to their own well-being and to nation building.”
Alupo, also Katakwi District Woman MP, praised OSFA and its partners for their dedication to helping communities and supporting government efforts toward inclusion and self-reliance.
She urged the beneficiaries to use the wheelchairs well, hoping this gift would open new doors and inspire others to serve those in need. The government remains committed to programs that promote skilling, education, healthcare, and empowerment for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities.
This partnership between government, civil society, and private sector promises to transform lives and strengthen communities across Uganda.
Dr. Joseph Opul, Chief Executive Director of OSFA, announced that in addition to the 20 wheelchairs already distributed, the foundation and its partners are aiming to provide an additional 30 wheelchairs by August this year, in response to the significant demand from persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“We believe these wheelchairs will enhance the mobility of PWDs, enabling them to engage in economic activities among other benefits,” he stated.
Opul also shared that they are exploring opportunities to equip PWDs in Katakwi and Teso with relevant skills, an initiative that will be guided by the district.
Stephen Ilemukorit Okure, the Resident District Commissioner of Katakwi, expressed his dismay at the high number of PWDs—over 1,000 in total—which he attributed to the negligence of parents in taking their children for polio vaccinations, a service consistently provided by the government.
He urged parents to prioritize immunizing their children against polio to prevent further instances of disability.
Samuel Baker Opio, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), highlighted that PWDs face significant barriers in accessing education, health services, markets, and safe water due to mobility challenges, particularly in the absence of wheelchairs.
Opio called for additional support, emphasizing the various needs of PWDs and urging partners to empower them with skills for self-sufficiency in earning a living.
Geofrey Omolo, the District LC5 Chairperson in Katakwi, stressed the importance of conducting assessments before providing transportation solutions for PWDs, as needs may vary—some may require tricycles while others may need wheelchairs depending on their specific disabilities.
John Francis Omerikori, the District Chairperson for PWDs, noted that there are over 400 individuals in need of either wheelchairs or tricycles. He expressed gratitude to VP Alupo and Dr. Opul for their support in ensuring that at least one person per sub-county receives a wheelchair.
Omerikori also called on the government to provide transport means, such as bicycles and motorcycles, as well as tricycles and wheelchairs, to help PWD leaders mobilize their communities to access government programs effectively.
Several speakers praised VP Alupo and Dr. Opul for their commitment to the welfare of the community.
Raphael Egwang, a beneficiary of a wheelchair from Ongongoja Sub County, commended VP Alupo for her adept lobbying efforts and urged her to assist them further with chickens and education to help lift them out of poverty.
