Hundreds of people came together to show solidarity as Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services for People with Disability in Uganda (CoRSU) held its second Annual Fundraising Walk-cum-run on Sunday, 5th October 2025.
Over 1,500 participants, including families, children, corporate partners, cultural leaders, government officials, and community members, walked side by side to create opportunities for children with disabilities to live full, dignified, and independent lives.
The event featured two routes, a 10km and a 5km walk, each flagged off by distinguished leaders.
The 10km category was officially launched by the Chief Guest Katikkiro of Buganda, who was represented by Owek. Noah Kiyimba (Minister of Cabinet Affairs, the Great Lukiiko), Protocol and Special duties in the Katikiiro’s office.
Owek. Kiyimba stressed the importance of community solidarity and said, “When we walk together, we demonstrate that we are stronger than the barriers that divide us. Today’s walk serves as a reminder that children with disabilities are not defined by their limitations, but by their potential. Supporting them is a collective responsibility.”
We thank CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital for organizing this annual work. It has helped to raise awareness. In the African setting, children born with disabilities are associated with witchcraft which is not true. We appeal to Government to help the people with special needs and disabilities. Government should also assist in the funding of CoRSU Rehabilitation Hospital for the great work they do. Government should also subsidize on the taxation of equipment used by the people with disabilities.
Owek. Noah Kiyimba (Minister of Cabinet Affairs, the Great Lukiiko), Protocol and Special duties in the Katikiiro’s office.
Chief Walker Captain Mike Mukula, praised CoRSU’s mission and the dedication of participants.
What we are doing here is a symbol of love, compassion, and national unity. CoRSU has proven that with the right support, children who have lost hope can live full lives. Let us continue to champion their cause. It is important that Uganda has a self-sustaining economy with a self-sustaining health system.
Captain Mike Mukula
Owek. Noah Kiyimba, also applauded CoRSU’s contribution to inclusive healthcare;” For nearly two decades, CoRSU has been a beacon of hope for children with disabilities and their families. Through corrective surgeries, prosthetic and orthotic services, and rehabilitation, CoRSU has restored mobility, independence, and dignity to tens of thousands of children. We continue to appeal to Government of Uganda through you Hon. Mike Mukula, to support CoRSU through affirmative action. Disability is very tricky, all of us can be affected. Let us join CoRSU and create impact. As Buganda Kingdom, we are in total support and we will continue to partner with CoRSU.” he said.
Ambrose Tashobya, the chairperson of the National Council of Sports (NCS) hailed CoRSU’s work towards the sports sub-sector as he also announced their Ug.Shs 5,000,000 contribution towards the noble cause.
National Council of Sports (NCS) and the different federations have immensely benefited from the good work of CoRSU. I recognize that CoRSU is doing an excellent job. I will advocate more for their outstanding work.
Ambrose Tashobya, Chairperson – National Council of Sports
The Funds raised from this year’s walk will go directly towards providing corrective surgeries, prosthetic and orthotic devices, and rehabilitation services for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Additionally, the proceeds will support the establishment of a new specialised theatre at CoRSU to expand surgical capacity and reduce waiting times for critical operations.
Since its inception in 2006, CoRSU has carried out more than 70,000 life-changing surgeries, with an average of 5,246 surgeries and 12,500 therapy sessions performed annually.
8 out of every 10 surgeries are for children, reaffirming CoRSU’s mission to ensure that no child is denied care because of cost.
CoRSU’s Chief Executive Officer, Robert Ochai, emphasized the life-changing impact of the event:“The funds we raise today will go directly to providing corrective surgeries, prosthetics, orthotic devices, and rehabilitation services, especially for children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have nowhere else to turn. Because of your support, many children will take their first steps towards independence; they will return to school and to play and laugh free of fear and stigma.”
The Board President, Victor Odongo, concluded by recognizing all who made the event possible: “As we bring this event to a close, I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you, our sponsors, partners, participants, families, friends, and members of the media. Your support has made today a powerful statement of our shared commitment to breaking barriers and building a more inclusive Uganda.”
He further extended appreciation to the event’s generous sponsors: Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Fireworks Advertising, EMKA Foundation, Bank of Uganda, Vivo Energy Uganda, Finn Church Aid, Rapid Advisory, Crown Beverages (Nivana), Nation Media, Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), Pride Bank, Bank of Uganda, The Great Outdoors, National Drug Authority, Humanity and Inclusion, Centenary Bank, Buganda Kingdom, UEDCL, Walimu, cbm and ABSA Bank.
“Thank you for your solidarity and commitment, and we hope to see you next year as we continue to raise awareness for children living with disabilities,” he added.
With 12.4% of Uganda’s population living with some form of disability, the walk underscored the urgent need for collaborative action between government, civil society, and the private sector.
As participants crossed the finish line, the atmosphere was filled with hope, joy, and determination.
Parents walked hand in hand with their children, colleagues cheered alongside friends, and strangers became allies in a shared cause.
Brian Adams Ategeka won the 10KM race.
ABOUT CoRSU HOSPITAL
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services for People with Disability in Uganda, also known as CoRSU Hospital, is a specialised rehabilitation hospital established in 2009 as a Private, Not-for-Profit, Non-Government Organisation.
Our core mandate is to mitigate the debilitating effects of disabling physical conditions by ensuring accessibility and availability of quality, preventative, curative, and rehabilitative services for people with disability in Uganda and neighbouring countries.
Over the period of 15 years, CoRSU has changed the lives of over 60,000 children through surgical services and rehabilitated over 100,000 patients through a variety of services and disciplines.