Beyond survival: Giving dignity to children with disabilities in Jinja

BY GEOGRE BUULE

 At a quiet home in Jinja, where laughter mixes with the strain of daily caregiving, a small but powerful change is unfolding one that is restoring dignity and hope to children who were once abandoned and forgotten.

 Home for Hope, founded by Ms Edith Lukabwe, began as a modest effort to care for a few vulnerable children. Today, it has grown into a refuge for dozens living with disabilities many of whom were left behind due to stigma in their communities.

 “I got the idea after raising my own son with a disability,” Lukabwe says. “It opened my heart to other children who had nowhere to go. Many of them were abandoned, others picked from the streets. They needed love, care, and a place to belong.”

 But behind the warmth of the home lies a daily struggle.

 Many of the children live with conditions such as cerebral palsy and paralysis, requiring constant medical attention and support. Lukabwe explains that even basic needs are often out of reach.

 “Some of the children need medication just to calm their bodies. Others need therapy regularly, but we don’t always have the means,” she says.

 Mobility remains one of the biggest challenges. Wheelchairs, walkers, and leg braces are expensive, and the home cannot afford enough of them.

 “The environment itself is also difficult,” she adds. “The compound gets muddy, and for children who cannot walk, that makes movement even harder.”

 Inside the home, caregivers work tirelessly to meet the needs of children who are highly dependent. Many cannot feed themselves, use the toilet independently, or move without assistance.

 Feeding is another hurdle. “Some children cannot digest solid food, so we have to prepare special meals, which increases our costs,” Lukabwe explains.

 Even the most basic supplies, like pampers, are a constant burden.

 “A packet costs around 740,000 shillings. Imagine a day when six girls are on their periods, and each needs at least three pieces it is very expensive,” she says. “We have tried using normal pads, but some of the children remove them.”

 It is within this context that a donation of 15 mobility carts, along with pampers, clothes, and bedsheets from Ramathan Foundation, has brought relief and renewed hope.

 “These carts will change everything,” Lukabwe says with a smile. “Children will now be able to move from one place to another. Those who go to school can reach their classrooms more easily, and they will also help during physiotherapy.”

 For many of the children, improved mobility is more than convenience it is a step toward independence and healing.

 The support came after a visit by the foundation’s leadership, who were moved by what they saw.

 “As Chairperson of Ramathan Foundation, our motivation was driven by both urgency and compassion,” says Ms Justine Kanyike. “When we heard the stories of these children many abandoned, others rescued from the streets,we came to see for ourselves. What we found deeply touched us.”

 Kanyike notes that many children were missing out on therapy and struggling with everyday activities due to lack of proper equipment.

 “This intervention comes at a critical time. These mobility carts will not only help them move but also support therapy, especially for those who have difficulty using their hands and upper body,” she says.

 Beyond mobility, the donation of pampers addresses a critical but often overlooked need.

 “It is about hygiene, comfort, and dignity,” Kanyike explains. “Consistent access to such supplies prevents infections and eases the burden on caregivers.”

 Still, both Lukabwe and Kanyike agree that much more remains to be done.

 “We need more food because the number of children keeps increasing,” Lukabwe says. “We also need better medical care,therapy, medication for conditions like epilepsy, and even surgeries.”

 She also points to the shortage of caregivers, who are often overwhelmed by the level of need.

 “Our workers are few, and the children require constant attention,” she says.

 Kanyike echoes this concern, emphasizing that the donation is only the beginning.

 “Beyond today, our commitment is long-term. What we have provided is just a starting point,” she says. “We want to support healthcare, link the home to professionals, and ensure these children receive continuous care.”

 For Lukabwe, the dream is simple but powerful to give every child a chance at life with dignity.

 “We welcome anyone who can support us,” she says. “Through donations, partnerships, or even creating awareness. These children deserve a future.”

 And now, with a few more wheels beneath them, that future feels just a little closer.