Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services for People with Disability in Uganda (CoRSU Hospital) has launched the third edition of the CoRSU Disability Walk, a nationwide fundraising and disability awareness campaign aimed at raising Shs400 million to provide life-changing surgical and rehabilitation services for 100 children living with disabilities.
The annual charity walk, scheduled for Sunday, 4 October 2026 at the MUBS Sports Ground, is expected to bring together thousands of Ugandans, government leaders, corporate organisations, development partners, healthcare professionals, families and disability advocates in a collective effort to improve access to specialised rehabilitation services while promoting disability inclusion across the country.
The campaign is organised by CoRSU Hospital in partnership with EMKA Foundation, MUBS, Crown Beverages Limited (Pepsi and Nivana), Great Outdoors, Humanity & Inclusion and Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), with additional partners expected to join as preparations continue.
CoRSU also recognised the contribution of donors, including CBM, Hope and Healing International, Smile Train and Miracle Feet, whose support continues to complement proceeds from the annual walk.
This year’s fundraising target will directly support comprehensive surgical and rehabilitation care for 100 children, with each child requiring an average of Shs4 million for surgery, therapy, assistive devices and follow-up rehabilitation.
The funds will also help strengthen critical rehabilitation infrastructure, enabling CoRSU Hospital to reach more children in need of specialised care.
The campaign comes amid growing demand for paediatric orthopaedic and rehabilitation services in Uganda, where nearly 300 children remain on surgical waiting lists every year due to inadequate funding.
By achieving this year’s target, CoRSU aims to reduce the annual backlog of unfunded surgeries by approximately 33 percent, giving more children an opportunity to walk, attend school, play and live more independent lives.
Now in its third year, the CoRSU Disability Walk has grown into one of Uganda’s leading disability advocacy initiatives, bringing communities and institutions together around the shared goal of ensuring disability does not become a barrier to opportunity.
The initiative continues to make a significant impact. During the 2025 edition, the campaign raised more than Shs71 million, enabling 17 children to receive orthopaedic and plastic surgeries, 21 patients to access rehabilitation services, and 62 patients to benefit from other specialised medical care.
The achievements build on CoRSU Hospital’s wider contribution since its establishment in 2006. The hospital has conducted more than 70,000 life-changing surgeries and rehabilitated over 100,000 patients, making it one of East Africa’s leading centres for specialised orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation.
Each year, CoRSU performs between 2,500 and 5,246 surgical procedures and provides approximately 12,500 therapy sessions, with children accounting for nearly 80 percent of all surgeries.
The launch was presided over by Patrick Menya, a Social Gerontologist from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, who attended as the Guest of Honour and called on Ugandans to unite in supporting children living with disabilities.
“The strength of a nation is reflected in how it cares for its most vulnerable citizens. Every child deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified and productive life regardless of their circumstances,” Menya said.
He added that the CoRSU Disability Walk represents a commitment to restoring hope, creating opportunities and removing barriers that limit children living with disabilities.
“I encourage every Ugandan, every corporate organisation and every institution to join this noble cause on 4th October and help transform lives,” he said.
Menya also commended CoRSU Hospital and its partners for advancing disability inclusion, noting that collective action is critical in ensuring persons with disabilities enjoy equal opportunities.
“Disability inclusion is not solely the responsibility of government; it requires all of us. Initiatives such as the CoRSU Disability Walk demonstrate what can be achieved when government, the private sector, development partners and communities work together,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of CoRSU Hospital, Chief Executive Officer Robert Ochai said the campaign represents an investment in Uganda’s future and the wellbeing of children.
“Behind every child waiting for surgery is a family waiting for hope. Every contribution made through this campaign translates into a child walking again, returning to school, gaining confidence and living a fuller life,” Ochai said.
He said the hospital’s target this year reflects the growing need for specialised care but expressed confidence that support from partners, sponsors and the public will help transform the lives of at least 100 children.
“Together, we can prove that disability should never define a child’s future,” Ochai added.
According to the Uganda National Population and Housing Census, 12.5 percent of Uganda’s population lives with some form of disability, while many childhood disabilities can be prevented or effectively managed through timely access to specialised healthcare.
However, for many families, the cost of treatment remains unaffordable, making initiatives such as the CoRSU Disability Walk a lifeline for children whose futures depend on timely medical intervention.
Members of the public, corporate organisations, schools, families and development partners have been encouraged to participate in the 3rd CoRSU Disability Walk on Sunday, 4 October 2026 at MUBS Sports Ground through sponsorships, donations and team registrations.
Every step taken and every contribution made will help restore mobility, dignity and hope to children living with disabilities.