For years, parents of children living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities in Kamuli District have carried the heavy responsibility of providing round-the-clock care, often at the expense of their own social and economic wellbeing.
For mothers like Joy Byogero from Namwendwa, caring for a child with cerebral palsy has meant a life of sacrifice, resilience and unconditional love.
Byogero says she has faced stigma, ridicule and hurtful comments from members of the community who misunderstood her child's condition, but the love and happiness she receives from her child has kept her committed.
"If there is a parent who truly cares and loves, it is a mother of a child with a disability. You are tied at home, abused and sometimes feel like God has punished you, but the smile from your child gives you the strength to continue caring for your own blood," she said.
Similarly, Ronald Koowa from Bulopa in Kamuli says he has faced criticism for dedicating his time to caring for his child with cerebral palsy.
Koowa says he supports his child with daily activities, including bathing, washing, carrying him on his back to church, school and social activities.
He says some people have labelled him as being controlled by his wife simply because he chooses to actively participate in caring for his child.
However, the challenges faced by such families are beginning to ease following the establishment of a new Day Care Centre for children with disabilities at Bulange Parents School, Namwendwa, Kamuli.
The facility was handed over by Katalemwa Cheshire Home, an organisation supporting children with disabilities through rehabilitation, education and social inclusion programmes.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Dr John Kiyaga Nsubuga, a Board member of Katalemwa Cheshire Home, said the centre was established in response to repeated concerns from parents and caregivers who struggled to balance caregiving responsibilities with productive activities.
"Over the years, one challenge emerged repeatedly from parents and caregivers—the limitation to engage in other work because of the demands of caring for children with disabilities. Despite caring for them with love and dedication, parents also need time to participate in productive activities. That is why we established this Day Care Centre, where children can access a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment," Dr Kiyaga said.
He said the facility represents a commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has an opportunity to participate, develop and reach their full potential.
"This facility will go a long way in improving access to services, education and care, ultimately improving the quality of life for children with disabilities," he added.
Dr Kiyaga said Katalemwa Cheshire Home has supported children and families in Kamuli through a community-based rehabilitation approach, providing access to healthcare and rehabilitation services, promoting inclusive education, strengthening household incomes and encouraging social inclusion.
Receiving the facility on behalf of Kamuli District, Wilfred Wambuga, the District Education Officer in charge of Special Needs Education, described it as a symbol of hope and inclusion for children living with disabilities.
"This facility is more than a building; it is a symbol of hope, inclusion and community ownership. It shows that sustainable change is strongest when it is supported and driven by the community itself," Wambuga said.
He urged communities to use the facility as a platform for empowering children with disabilities and ensuring they receive opportunities to learn, participate and contribute to society.
Wambuga, however, noted that the district continues to face shortages of special needs teachers, sign language interpreters and physiotherapists, which affects efforts to promote inclusive education.
"We are in dire need of sign language interpreters, teachers and physiotherapists to ease the burden of inclusion. When we get partners like Katalemwa, we must work with them carefully because they complement government efforts in service delivery," he said.
Katalemwa Cheshire Home said its interventions in Kamuli have benefited more than 1,086 children with disabilities through rehabilitation services, including therapy, surgeries and medication.
The organisation has also provided more than 1,000 assistive devices to improve mobility and independence among children, supported 281 children through unconditional cash transfer programmes, and strengthened community participation through engagement of fathers and local leaders.
Through a network of 19 village health teams, Katalemwa said it continues to identify children with disabilities, promote early intervention and connect families to timely support services.
The new Day Care Centre is expected to reduce the caregiving burden on families while creating a supportive environment where children with disabilities can access care, learning opportunities and rehabilitation services.
