Absa Bank Uganda has donated Shs 40 million to the Kyaninga Child Development Centre (KCDC) to support therapeutic services, nutrition and mobility for children living with disabilities in the Rwenzori region.
The funding is intended to strengthen KCDC’s capacity to deliver specialized therapy and inclusive education to more than 1,000 children each month, in line with the bank’s citizenship agenda focused on social inclusion and sustainable community development.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, David Wandera, Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda, said the support reflects the bank’s commitment to inclusive growth and equal access to education.
An estimated 2.5 million children with disabilities in Uganda remain excluded from school due to mobility-related barriers, Wandera noted, adding that the bank was proud to support initiatives that promote dignity and long-term educational opportunities for affected children.
A significant portion of the donation—Shs 27 million—was allocated to the acquisition of bamboo wheelchairs manufactured locally by Kyaninga Mobility.
The wheelchairs are designed to withstand the rugged terrain of the Rwenzori region and offer a practical alternative to imported metallic models, which are often difficult to maintain and repair.
Constructed using 75 percent locally sourced bamboo, the wheelchairs combine durability with lightweight design, making them easier to transport and more suitable for rural environments.
The remaining funds were directed towards educational materials and specialized nutritious food required by children undergoing intensive physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Steven Leonard Williams, Founder of Kyaninga Child Development Centre, welcomed the partnership, saying the support would significantly improve access to education and community life for children with disabilities.
The bamboo wheelchairs meet ISO standards, weigh 11.5 kilogrammes (18 kilogrammes with wheels), and feature quick-release wheels and foldable components. Their production supports local manufacturing under the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda initiative while offering cost-effective, environmentally sustainable mobility solutions.
