When Christine Kirungi, a person living with cerebral palsy, secured a small space at St. Charles Lwanga Bukerere Primary School in 2024, she had one goal — to create a safe environment where children with cerebral palsy could receive care while parents learned how to better support them. What started as a small initiative has now grown into a centre of hope, inclusion, and support for children with disabilities and their families. Kirungi founded the Umbrella Cerebral Pulse Network Association, a grassroots organisation bringing together children living with cerebral palsy and their caregivers.
The centre soon became a lifeline for many families, especially mothers who began leaving their children there during the day as they searched for income, trusting that they would receive care and early intervention in a supportive environment. By early 2025, the association was supporting 37 children, a growth that brought new challenges. The available classrooms became insufficient, while children lacked enough space for physical exercises and therapy activities necessary for their development. The situation attracted support from members of the Rotary Club of Sonde, who stepped in to transform the environment for the children.
The Rotary members completed one of the school buildings dedicated to the children, created exercise areas, and later constructed a resting and play space where children with disabilities could interact with their peers. The latest support came when 14 children with physical disabilities received brand-new wheelchairs during a handover ceremony at St. Charles Lwanga Primary School. The donation was made by Rotary District Governor D9213 Geoffrey Martin Kitakule in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Mulago Hospital’s Orthopedic Department.
Hajjati Saidat Kayinja Adyeri, who spearheaded the initiative on behalf of the Rotary Club, said the beneficiaries were identified through a careful assessment process. “Experts first assessed the children, and we identified 14 who urgently needed wheelchairs to improve their mobility,” she said. She added that the assessment findings were submitted to the Ministry of Health, which responded with support. For Kirungi, the wheelchairs have brought relief to families that struggled with mobility challenges. “Parents had been struggling to carry their children everywhere to play, to therapy, even for simple daily activities,” she said.
“As the children grew bigger and heavier, it became increasingly difficult and exhausting. These wheelchairs are a game-changer.” Natifa Mafuko Buzaki, a member of the district council of parents with children with disabilities, thanked the Rotary Club for the support and urged parents not to hide children living with disabilities. “Parents who hide their children with disabilities are making a big mistake. These children have a bright future if given the opportunity and support they deserve,” she said.
District Governor Geoffrey Martin Kitakule, who commissioned the new resting place and handed over the wheelchairs, said children with disabilities deserve opportunities to learn and develop. “These children need every chance to learn and develop, including learning to walk where possible,” he said. “The wheelchairs we have provided are of very good quality and will greatly enhance their independence.”
Kitakule also encouraged more organisations and individuals to support children with disabilities while condemning the practice of hiding them. Christine Alupo, President of the Rotary Club of Sonde, said the project started with a vision of improving the lives of children with disabilities. “We started this program last year with a vision to make a real difference,” she said.
She added that although the club is proud of the progress made through the completed building, exercise spaces, and resting area, more support is still needed because the number of children continues to grow. Parents who attended the event shared experiences of the challenges they face, including physical strain, financial difficulties, and stigma associated with raising children with disabilities.
Many called on other parents to seek support instead of hiding their children. The transformation at St. Charles Lwanga Bukerere Primary School demonstrates how community partnerships can improve the lives of children with disabilities. From a small space established in 2024 to a growing support centre providing care, mobility aids and inclusion, the Umbrella Cerebral Pulse Network Association is helping change perceptions about disability while giving children a renewed sense of dignity and hope-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
