CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital in Entebbe has launched the inaugural CoRSU Walk, an annual event aimed at raising awareness about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and securing funds to provide affordable treatment for children with disabilities in Uganda.
The initiative seeks to raise shs1.5 billion to support its cause.
The walk, officially launched today by Ms. Sarah Bugoosi, the Commissioner for Special Needs and Inclusive Education at the Ministry of Sports and Education, is scheduled to take place on October 6, 2024, at the Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Sports Ground.
The event will be held under the theme “Disability Inclusion: A Walk to Change, Leave No One Behind.”
Speaking at the launch, Robert Ochai, Chief Executive Officer of CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to organizing the event, which aims to bring hope and awareness to more Ugandans.
“I want to extend heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved in making the Annual CoRSU Walk a reality,” Ochai said. “We invite more people to join this walk and contribute to bringing hope and smiles to those in need.”
Statistics from the National Population and Housing Census (2014) by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics reveal that 12.5% of Uganda’s population lives with at least one form of disability.
Notably, 92% of these disabilities are treatable, and 80% of disabilities among children could be addressed if specialized services were made accessible and affordable.
Ms. Bugoosi commended CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital for its work in providing hope to those with limited options.
“I appreciate CoRSU for the commendable work they are doing for Uganda, as many success stories come from this institution,” she said. “I encourage everyone to mobilize their communities to participate in this walk and help raise the necessary funds.”
Walter Wafula, General Manager at Fireworks Advertising, praised CoRSU for launching the fundraising walk, noting its potential to positively impact children living with disabilities.
“To Fireworks Advertising, this is not just a walk but also a tribute to our late Group CEO, Mr. Frank Muthusi, who championed this cause,” Wafula said. “We are committed to supporting this initiative to bring hope and joy to children with disabilities.”
Over the past three years, CoRSU has conducted an annual average of 5,246 surgical procedures and 12,500 therapy sessions, focusing primarily on children with physical disabilities, who account for 80% of its surgical interventions.
The annual CoRSU Walk aims to generate greater awareness and support for children with disabilities across Uganda, ensuring that they receive the essential treatment and care they deserve.
