Alupo urges wider support beyond wheelchairs for persons with disabilities
Represented by Teso affairs state minister Dr Kenneth Clement Ongalo Obote, Alupo urged stakeholders to support persons with disabilities beyond providing assistive devices.
Teso affairs state minister Dr Kenneth Clement Ongalo Obote handing over wheelchairs to PWDs in Katakwi District on Friday, July 10, 2026. (Photos by Delux Emmy Alomu)
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Vice President Jessica Alupo has encouraged civil society and the private sector to continue collaborating on practical solutions that improve the lives of Ugandans.
She made the call during an event on July 10, 2026, where 20 wheelchairs worth sh60m were distributed to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Katakwi district. The initiative was made possible through a partnership between the Opul Skilling Foundation Africa (OSFA), the Rhema Development Foundation and Hope for Health Affairs Global.
Many of the beneficiaries arrived at the district council hall on motorcycles or bicycles, often requiring assistance from others to access the venue. However, they left with wheelchairs that will significantly improve their mobility.
Represented by Teso affairs state minister Dr Kenneth Clement Ongalo Obote, Alupo urged stakeholders to support persons with disabilities beyond providing assistive devices.
She emphasised the importance of education, skills development, access to services and opportunities for economic participation.
"Today's gathering is more than a donation ceremony; it serves as a reminder that when equipped with the right tools, every individual can contribute not only to their own well-being but also to the growth of our nation," she stated.
As the Member of Parliament for Katakwi district, Alupo said the wheelchairs would enable recipients to move more easily, live with dignity and pursue their dreams with renewed confidence. She commended OSFA and its partners for their work in supporting the initiative.
She also thanked OSFA for its commitment to serving communities and supporting government efforts aimed at promoting inclusion, dignity and self-reliance.
Teso affairs state minister Dr Kenneth Clement Ongalo Obote handing over the VP Alupo's speech to Dr Opul Joseph during the handover of the wheelchairs to PWDs in Katakwi on Friday, July 10, 2026.
She said the government remains committed to inclusive development through programmes that promote skilling, education, healthcare, agriculture, wealth creation and empowerment for vulnerable groups, including PWDs.
"I encourage you to make the most of these wheelchairs. May this support pave the way for new opportunities and inspire others to assist those in need," she advised the beneficiaries.
Dr Joseph Opul, chief executive director of OSFA, announced that, in addition to the 20 wheelchairs already distributed, the foundation and its partners plan to provide another 30 wheelchairs by August this year in response to the high demand among PWDs.
“We believe these wheelchairs will enhance the mobility of PWDs, enabling them to engage in economic activities among other benefits,” he stated.
Opul added that they are exploring opportunities to equip PWDs in Katakwi and Teso with relevant skills, an initiative that will be guided by the district.
He attributed the situation to some parents failing to take their children for polio vaccinations, despite the service being consistently provided by the government.
He urged parents to prioritise immunising their children against polio to prevent further cases of disability.
Samuel Baker Opio, the chief administrative officer, highlighted that PWDs face significant barriers in accessing education, health services, markets and safe water due to mobility challenges, especially where wheelchairs are unavailable.
Opio called for additional support, emphasising the need to empower PWDs with skills that enable them to become self-sufficient.
Geofrey Omolo, the district LC5 chairperson in Katakwi, stressed the importance of conducting assessments before providing mobility solutions for PWDs, noting that some people may require tricycles while others need wheelchairs depending on their specific disabilities.
John Francis Omerikori, the district chairperson for PWDs, said more than 400 people are in need of either wheelchairs or tricycles. He thanked VP Alupo and Dr Opul for ensuring that at least one person from each sub-county receives a wheelchair.
Omerikori also appealed to government to provide transport means such as bicycles, motorcycles, tricycles and wheelchairs to help PWD leaders mobilise their communities and access government programmes.
Several speakers praised VP Alupo and Dr Opul for their commitment to improving the welfare of the community.
Raphael Egwang, a beneficiary from Ongongoja sub-county, commended VP Alupo for her lobbying efforts and appealed for further support, including chickens and education opportunities, to help lift people out of poverty.