A growing number of people living with disabilities in Ibanda District are regaining hope thanks to a new initiative providing free prosthetic arms.
Among the beneficiaries is 26-year-old Rosemary Kukundakwe, who lost her right arm due to domestic violence.
Previously earning a living by frying pancakes, Kukundakwe now struggles with daily tasks using only one arm. “Sometimes I have to beg neighbors to help me get something to eat or clean my house,” she said.
Another beneficiary, James Barisimwaki, 46, lost his arm in a road accident last year and had to stop working as a boda boda rider.
“Life has been very hard since I lost my arm. I had to stop working, but now I have hope again,” he said.
The turning point came when Elpis Rehabilitation Centre, in partnership with Able Life Africa, launched a project to provide free prosthetic arms to over 100 amputees.
The initiative aims to restore functionality and independence, allowing beneficiaries to perform essential daily activities such as eating, writing, working, and personal grooming.
Denis Nabireeba, director of Elpis Rehabilitation Centre, emphasized the program’s focus on dignity and self-reliance.
“This initiative focuses on restoring hope so that persons with disabilities can feel normal and love themselves while interacting with society,” he said.
Nabireeba added that beneficiaries are trained on how to use the prosthetic arms effectively in daily life.
Rosemary Tukamushaba, the Ibanda District Female Councillor representing persons with disabilities, praised the intervention.
“The initiative has greatly improved the social welfare of PWDs. They are now able to take care of themselves instead of being dependents,” she said.
The beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude, noting that the support ushers them into a future of renewed confidence and independence. Many said the prosthetic arms will enable them to perform tasks that once seemed impossible.
The initiative coincides with calls from the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (Nudipu) for a national policy to make artificial limbs more accessible and affordable.
Earlier in November, Nudipu held a fundraising marathon targeting over Shs 800 million to provide prosthetic limbs to at least 200 amputees across the country.
According to Nudipu, thousands of Ugandans live with permanent disabilities, many resulting from boda boda and motor vehicle accidents, and urgently need assistive devices to live dignified and productive lives.