Addressing Mobility Challenges for People with Disabilities in Uganda: A Bamboo-Based Solution
For many individuals living with disabilities in Uganda, the absence of a wheelchair can mean a life confined to their homes, unable to participate in education, healthcare, or community life. In the Kabarole District, specifically in Kyaninga Village, an innovative initiative is stepping up to bridge this gap. This project centers around the production of wheelchairs crafted from bamboo, designed specifically to handle the challenges of rural terrain. These wheelchairs are not only providing mobility but also fostering a model for inclusive support, built by the very communities they serve.
From Performer to Advocate: One Man's Story
Rogers Bisereko Muhindo was once a vibrant and energetic performer, captivating audiences as the leader of the Trojan Dance Company. However, his life took an unexpected turn in 2016 when, prior to a performance in Masaka District, he experienced a sudden, sharp pain in his back. Despite taking painkillers, he pushed through the concert, delivering a memorable show.
"On our way back to Kampala, I couldn't sit upright in the taxi. I initially thought it was just exhaustion. But when I lay down, I realized I couldn't move one of my legs. Later that night, I lost feeling in both my legs," Muhindo recalls.
The sudden numbness was terrifying. He soon lost control of his bladder, a clear indication of a serious medical issue. Initial tests ruled out common concerns, leaving doctors baffled. Fear gripped him as he worried the illness would spread and threaten his life. He returned home, where his family sought help from traditional healers and through prayer, but his condition only worsened. Eventually, a friend urged him to get an MRI scan in Kampala.
The scan revealed transverse myelitis, a neurological condition that causes inflammation of the spinal cord, often leading to paralysis. For a dancer, this diagnosis was devastating.
Dr. Blessing Micheal Taremwa, a neurosurgeon, explains that transverse myelitis, while not common, can have severe consequences. The inflammation damages nerves in the spinal cord, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Symptoms can range from pain and motor weakness to incontinence. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, often involving high doses of steroids or plasma exchange therapy.
After receiving the news that he would never walk again, Muhindo battled depression, turning to alcohol and drugs. However, a spark of hope ignited when he discovered wheelchair dancers on YouTube. Inspired, he began to envision a new dream. A friend invited him to perform in a show, and despite his doubts, he accepted. Returning to the stage was a transformative experience. The enthusiastic response from the audience reassured him that dancing was still his calling.
Kyaninga Mobility: A Catalyst for Change
Muhindo's journey took another positive turn when Kyaninga Mobility, a part of the Kyaninga Child Development Centre (KCDC), reached out to him to become their brand ambassador. Kyaninga Mobility focuses on producing assistive devices using locally sourced materials and innovative technology.
Founded by Steve and Asha Williams, Kyaninga Mobility manufactures wheelchairs, walking frames, crutches, and balance bikes, providing independence and dignity to individuals with disabilities. The Williams' personal experience of raising a child with severe epilepsy motivated them to address the lack of appropriate care and support for families facing similar challenges in Uganda.
In 2013, the couple established KCDC, offering medical, therapeutic, and educational support to children with disabilities. They soon realized that a significant barrier to accessing care was the lack of safe and reliable transportation. Existing wheelchairs were often poorly suited to the terrain and did not provide adequate support. This led them to design a wheelchair that could withstand the rigors of rural East Africa.
The Bamboo Wheelchair: Innovation in Motion
Kyaninga Mobility innovated wheelchairs made from bamboo. According to Andrew Muramuzi, the design mechanical engineer, these wheelchairs are custom-designed to withstand rugged terrain and meet the specific needs of each child. The project operates on a community-based model, providing bamboo seedlings to local farmers, who then sell the mature bamboo back to Kyaninga Mobility.
The manufacturing process involves careful selection, drying, and chemical treatment of the bamboo to ensure its strength and durability. The prepared bamboo is then crafted into wheelchairs by a team of over 50 people specializing in carpentry, metalwork, and finishing. Muhindo now collaborates with the team, contributing to the design and testing of mobility devices.
While standardization is a goal, the team strives to accommodate individual needs by creating custom-made wheelchairs. Kyaninga Mobility has produced and distributed hundreds of bamboo wheelchairs, providing follow-up therapy at KCDC to help individuals build strength and independence.
Addressing a Critical Need
The need for mobility devices remains substantial. KCDC assesses 700 children every month, with over 300 on the waiting list for mobility equipment. Getting a wheelchair provides individuals with disabilities with independence, mobility, and dignity. The positive impact on both the individual and their family motivates the entire Kyaninga Mobility team.
Currently, Kyaninga Mobility produces 15 wheelchairs each month. The organization is seeking to expand its reach across Uganda and East Africa, using its locally driven, sustainable model.
The Broader Context: Mobility Challenges in Uganda
In Uganda, over 2.1 million people, or 7.1% of the population, live with disabilities. A significant number face mobility challenges. Approximately 30% of persons with disabilities (PWDs) need mobility devices, but only about 2% have access to them. The high cost of mobility aids is a major obstacle. A basic wheelchair can cost around $163, a significant expense for most households where nearly 60% of Ugandans earn only about Shs200,000 a month.
In addition to financial constraints, infrastructural challenges pose serious obstacles. Many buildings lack essential features such as ramps, elevators, and accessible toilets. Rural areas face even greater challenges, with inaccessible roads and transportation hindering access to healthcare, education, and employment.
Uganda has taken steps to address these issues through legislation and policy, including the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2020, and the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities, 2023. However, significant gaps remain. Addressing the mobility challenges of PWDs requires a multifaceted approach, including making assistive devices affordable, improving infrastructure accessibility, and fully implementing inclusive policies.
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