Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services for People with Disability in Uganda has launched the third edition of the CoRSU Disability Walk, a nationwide fundraising and awareness campaign aiming to raise 400 million Ugandan shillings to provide surgical and rehabilitation care for 100 children with disabilities.
The annual charity walk is scheduled for Oct. 4 at Makerere University Business School Sports Ground. Organizers expect thousands of participants, including government leaders, corporate organizations, development partners, healthcare professionals and disability advocates.
CoRSU hospital is organizing the campaign in partnership with the EMKA Foundation, MUBS, Crown Beverages Ltd., Great Outdoors, Humanity & Inclusion, and the Uganda Development Corporation. Additional donor support comes from CBM, Hope and Healing International, Smile Train and Miracle Feet.
Each child requires an average of 4 million shillings for surgery, therapy, assistive devices and follow-up rehabilitation. The raised funds will also strengthen critical rehabilitation infrastructure at the hospital.
The initiative addresses a growing demand for pediatric orthopedic and rehabilitation services in Uganda, where nearly 300 children remain on surgery waiting lists each year due to funding shortages. Hitting this year’s financial target would reduce CoRSU’s annual backlog of unfunded surgeries by roughly 33 percent.
During the 2025 edition, the campaign raised more than 71 million shillings, funding orthopedic and plastic surgeries for 17 children, rehabilitation services for 21 patients, and specialized medical care for 62 others.
Since its establishment as a private, non-governmental organization in 2006, the hospital has performed more than 70,000 surgeries and rehabilitated over 100,000 patients. The facility handles 2,500 to 5,246 surgical procedures and approximately 12,500 therapy sessions annually, with children accounting for nearly 80 percent of all operations.
Patrick Menya, a social gerontologist from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, served as guest of honor at the launch and urged the public to support the initiative.
“The strength of a nation is reflected in how it cares for its most vulnerable citizens,” Menya said. “Every child deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified and productive life regardless of their circumstances. The CoRSU Disability Walk is about restoring hope, creating opportunity and demonstrating that together we can remove the barriers that continue to limit children living with disabilities.”
Robert Ochai, chief executive officer of CoRSU Hospital, highlighted the broader mission behind the effort.
“Behind every child waiting for surgery is a family waiting for hope,” Ochai said. “Every contribution made through this campaign translates into a child walking again, returning to school, gaining confidence and living a fuller life. Our ambition this year is bigger because the need is greater.”
Data from the Uganda National Population and Housing Census shows that 12.5 percent of the country’s population lives with a disability. While many childhood disabilities can be prevented or managed through timely treatment, costs remain prohibitive for many families.
Organizers are calling on the public, schools and corporate partners to join the Oct. 4 event through donations, sponsorships and team registrations. Contributions can be made via MTN Mobile Money (Paybill Code: 599 393) or Airtel Money (Paybill: 4369 188). Enquiries regarding event kits can be directed to CoRSU Customer Care at 0761-002111 or 0761-002157.
