BUGWERi, UGANDA: At least 150 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Bugweri district on Wednesday received wheelchairs to ease their mobility as they traverse Bugweri during their daily work.
The 150 wheelchairs were donated by Father’s Heart Mobility Ministry in partnership with the district woman member of parliament Hon Racheal Magoola alias Obangaina.
At the function held in Idudi town council, Bugweri district, the executive director of Father’s Heart Mobility Ministry (FHMM) Francis Mugwanya who is also in the disabled category, urged parents to have fair treatment for children with disability since they are precious in the world. He says they have done this in more than 90 districts of Uganda.
“This is the 99th district we are donating these wheelchairs and we were invited by Hon Magoola. I used to go to school but people could throw insults at me to the extent of whispering to my parents to remove me from school since I was disabled,”
“If my parents had abandoned me, I wouldn’t be here donating for these people but I want to thank my parents who did their responsibility and here I am to help some people,” Mr Mugwanya said.
Mr Mugwanya urged people with disability to have self-esteem and avoid consoling themselves. He advised them to do whatever they can and earn a living instead of involving in street begging.
The woman MP Bugweri district, Hon Magoola who lobbied the project called upon government to partner with some organizations or ministries and further the support towards the disabled persons.
“This shows that we as government must strengthen efforts and partner with organizations which helps people and as government we also need to amplify voices on matters of disabled persons. I urge parents to take their disabled child to socialize with others and it’s where they will spot him/her for support,” Hon Magoola said.
She commended the ministry which is church-based for accepting her request to provide 50 additional wheelchairs for those who missed, given the overwhelming numbers.
The RDC Bugweri district Ms Janet Billy Mulindwa welcomed the project and urged the public to always vote for people with lobbying skills on top of having Godly values.
The district chairperson Muziransa Shafiq says disabilities arise from various incidents ranging from diseases and accidents. He rallied authorities to minimize all issues which cause disability.
Mr Kabugo Rogers, one of the beneficiaries from Nondwe sub-county thanked the ministry for supporting him.
“I have been having difficulties especially when it rains since I couldn’t access some places. I want to appreciate FHMM and Hon Magoola for helping us,” said Mr Kabugo.
Namugwana Halimah from Buniantole village in Ibulanku sub county says, “I used to lock up my daughter in the house since she couldn’t move to interact with others but this wheelchair will help her and I will as well be moving with her wherever I go.”
Father’s Heart Mobility Ministry(FHMM) says, people with disabilities are not cursed or second-class citizens like so many people in Uganda believe and they are challenging the worldviews by showing love of God by moving district to district throughout the country to help them. FHMM also believe that people with disabilities are a treasure to God and it’s why they lift them up out of the dirt and give them a seat of honour.
The function was attended by among others, Deputy RDC Kato Dauda, Bugweri district local leaders, people from community development, advocates for people with disabilities and the locals.
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