By Bamutaze Sam
For parents raising children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, caregiving is often a full-time responsibility marked by emotional strain, social stigma and limited opportunities to earn a living. Many say they rarely have time for themselves, let alone engage in productive economic activities.
That reality is now beginning to change for dozens of families in Kamuli District following the commissioning of a Day Care Centre for children with disabilities at Bulange Parents School in Namwendwa Sub-county by Katalemwa Cheshire Home.
For mothers like Joy Byogero, whose child lives with cerebral palsy, the facility represents more than just a building, it is a source of hope.
“I have given everything to my child,” Byogero said. “People have ridiculed me, called me names and treated my child as a social outcast. I cannot even attend a distant burial because there is no one willing to look after my child. But every smile from my child reminds me why I continue.”
She described the emotional burden carried by many mothers of children with disabilities. “If there is a parent who truly loves, it is the mother of a child with disabilities. You remain tied at home, face abuse and sometimes feel as though God has punished you. Yet the child’s smile gives you strength to keep going.”
The burden is not borne by mothers alone. Ronald Koowa, a father from Bulopa in Kamuli District, said he has often been mocked for taking an active role in caring for his son with cerebral palsy.
“I have been accused of being controlled by my wife simply because I bathe my child, wash him, carry him on my back to church, school and even when visiting friends. But caring for my child is my responsibility,” he said.
The newly established Day Care Centre seeks to ease such burdens by providing a safe environment where children with disabilities can receive care while their parents engage in income-generating activities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Dr John Kiyaga Nsubuga, a Board Member of Katalemwa Cheshire Home, said the project was inspired by repeated appeals from parents overwhelmed by the demands of caregiving.
“Over the years, one challenge emerged repeatedly from parents and caregivers. Although they care for their children with love and dedication, they have little or no opportunity to engage in productive work. That is why we established this Day Care Centre—to provide children with disabilities a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment while allowing caregivers time to improve their livelihoods,” he said.
Dr Kiyaga noted that the facility reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of disability, has the opportunity to thrive.
“Today we celebrate partnership, commitment and the shared belief that every child deserves the opportunity to participate, learn and reach their full potential. This centre will improve access to care, rehabilitation and education while enhancing the quality of life for children with disabilities.”
He added that through its Community-Based Rehabilitation programme, Katalemwa Cheshire Home has helped families access rehabilitation services, promoted inclusive education, strengthened household incomes and encouraged greater social inclusion.
Receiving the facility on behalf of Kamuli District Local Government, Wilfred Wambuga, the District Education Officer in charge of Special Needs Education, described the centre as a significant milestone.
“This facility is more than a building. It is a symbol of hope, inclusion and community ownership. It demonstrates that sustainable change is strongest when communities take ownership of development initiatives,” he said.
Wambuga encouraged parents, local leaders and communities to create environments where children with disabilities are valued, protected and given equal opportunities to develop their potential.He also highlighted the district’s shortage of specialised personnel.
“We urgently need more sign language interpreters, special needs teachers and physiotherapists to strengthen inclusive education. When partners like Katalemwa come on board, we treasure their support because they complement government efforts in service delivery.”
Katalemwa Cheshire Home has made a significant contribution to disability services in Kamuli District.
The organisation has provided rehabilitation services—including physiotherapy, surgeries and medication—to 1,086 children with disabilities, distributed more than 1,000 assistive devices to improve mobility and independence, and supported 281 children through unconditional cash transfer programmes.
The organisation also works through 19 Village Health Teams, which identify children with disabilities, promote early intervention and connect families to rehabilitation and support services.
For many families, the new Day Care Centre represents more than relief from daily caregiving demands. It offers renewed hope that children with disabilities can grow, learn and participate fully in society while enabling parents to rebuild their livelihoods with dignity.
