CoRSU Holds Inaugural Walk for People with Disabilities, Advocates for Greater Support.
Sunday of the 6th October marked a significant milestone in Uganda’s journey toward inclusivity as Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services for People with Disability in Uganda (CoRSU) hosted its inaugural walk, bringing together over 1,000 participants the event, which aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities and to mobilize greater support for their rights, saw widespread community participation.
The walk was graced by the Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Hon. Asamo Hellen Grace, as the Guest of Honour. Hon. Dr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, was also in attendance, alongside CoRSU Board and staff members.
While flagging off the 5km participants, Hon. Asamo emphasized the critical need for sustained efforts in empowering people with disabilities, noting the significant work that organizations like CoRSU have done. “We are proud of CoRSU’s achievements. The more than 60,000 individuals who have benefited from their services is a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of people with disabilities but our work is far from over; we need to keep pushing for more inclusivity and support for this cause today’s walk will restore hope and go along way in reducing stigma among people with disabilities,” she said.
CoRSU has been at the forefront of providing surgical and physical rehabilitation services to people with disabilities in Uganda. Beyond surgeries, the organization focuses on holistic rehabilitation, ensuring individuals regain their physical independence and reintegrate into society with dignity.
With over 12.4% of Uganda’s population living with some form of disability, the call for more targeted interventions is louder than ever.
The event underscored the need for a collaborative approach involving the government, the private sector, and civil society to ensure that people with disabilities receive the necessary care, support, and opportunities to thrive.
The State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs Dr Balaam Baruhagara expressed, “Being disabled does not limit your potential. For the good work that CoRSU is doing, I appreciate them. Through our ministry, we shall ensure that the equipment at CoRSU is improved to a world class standard and that more medicines will be available so that more disabled people continue to get the help they need.
CoRSU’s leadership also took the opportunity to express gratitude to the government for creating an enabling environment for their operations. “Today is our inaugural walk. We have been in existence for the last 11 years but not many people know about CoRSU. We are here today to bring awareness and for Ugandans to know that CoRSU has the best facilities for treatment for people with disabilities particularly from disadvantaged communities. Our goal is not just to treat but to empower but we cannot do it alone. We call upon Ugandans to join us in this cause to support persons with disabilities,” concluded Caleb Owino, Board Chairman of CoRSU.
