Rehabilitation Services for People with Disability in Uganda (CoRSU Hospital) has officially launched the third edition of the CoRSU Disability Walk, nationwide fundraising and disability awareness campaign that seeks to raise sh 400 million to provide life-changing surgical and rehabilitation care for 100 children living with disabilities.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) 2024 Census final report, there are approximately 1.7 million children aged 2–17 living with disabilities in Uganda. This accounts for a significant portion of the total estimated 5.5 million persons with disabilities (PWDs) nationwide.
The annual charity walk, scheduled for Sunday, 4th October 2026 at MUBS Sports Ground, is expected to bring together thousands of Ugandans, government leaders, corporate organisations, development partners, healthcare professionals, families and disability advocates in a united effort to improve access to specialised rehabilitation services while championing disability inclusion across the country.
The campaign is being organised by CoRSU Hospital in partnership with EMKA Foundation, MUBS, Crown Beverages Limited (Pepsi & Nivana), Great Outdoors, Humanity & Inclusion, Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), with additional partners expected to join in the coming weeks as preparations gather momentum. Recognition goes to the donors CBM, Hope and Healing International, Smile Train and Miracle Feet for your contribution compliments greatly the CoRSU walk proceeds.
This year’s fundraising target will directly support comprehensive surgical and rehabilitation care for 100 children, each requiring an average of UGX 4 million for surgery, therapy, assistive devices and follow-up rehabilitation. The funds will also strengthen critical rehabilitation infrastructure, enabling CoRSU Hospital to reach even more children requiring specialised care.
The campaign comes against a growing demand for paediatric orthopaedic and rehabilitation services in Uganda, where close to 300 children every year remain on waiting lists for surgery because of inadequate funding. By reaching this year’s target, CoRSU aims to reduce its annual backlog of unfunded surgeries by approximately 33 percent, giving hundreds of children the opportunity to walk, learn, play and live more independent lives.
The impact of the initiative continues to grow. During the 2025 edition, the campaign raised more than UGX 71 million, enabling 17 children to receive orthopaedic and plastic surgeries, 21 patients to access rehabilitation services, and 62 patients to benefit from other specialized medical care.
These achievements build on CoRSU Hospital’s broader legacy. Since its establishment in 2006, the hospital has carried out more than 70,000 life-changing surgeries and rehabilitated over 100,000 patients, making it one of East Africa’s leading centres for specialised orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation. Every year, the hospital performs an average of 2,500- 5,246 surgical procedures and delivers approximately 12,500 therapy sessions, with children accounting for nearly 80 percent of all surgeries.
Patrick Menya, Social Gerontologist from the Minister of Gender called upon the general public to unite behind children living with disabilities, noting that access to healthcare and rehabilitation is a shared national responsibility.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) 2024 National Population and Housing Census, the population of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Uganda is 5.5 million, representing a disability prevalence rate of 13.2 percent for the population aged 2 and above. This reflects an increase from 4.4 million PWDs recorded in the 2014 census
“The strength of a nation is reflected in how it cares for its most vulnerable citizens. 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. I encourage every Ugandan, every corporate organisation and every institution to join this noble cause on 4th October and help transform lives.”
He also commended CoRSU Hospital and its partners for championing disability inclusion, noting that collective action is essential in ensuring that persons with disabilities enjoy equal opportunities.
“Disability inclusion is not solely the responsibility of government; it requires all of us. Initiatives such as the CoRSU Disability Walk demonstrate what can be achieved when government, the private sector, development partners and communities work together.
Speaking on behalf of CoRSU Hospital, Robert Ochai, Chief Executive Officer, said the campaign represents an investment in Uganda’s future.
“Behind every child waiting for surgery is a family waiting for hope. 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, but we are confident that with the support of our partners, sponsors and the generosity of Ugandans, we can reach our target and transform the lives of at least 100 children. Together, we can prove that disability should never define a child’s future.”
According to the Uganda National Population and Housing Census, 12.5 percent of Uganda’s population lives with some form of disability, while many childhood disabilities can either be prevented or effectively managed through timely access to specialised healthcare. Yet for many families, the cost of treatment remains beyond reach, making initiatives such as the CoRSU Disability Walk a lifeline for children whose futures depend on timely intervention.
Members of the public, corporate organisations, schools, families and development partners are encouraged to participate in the 3rd CoRSU Disability Walk on Sunday, 4th October 2026 at MUBS Sports Ground, and to support the campaign through sponsorships, donations and team registrations. Every step taken and every contribution made will help restore mobility, dignity and hope to children living with disabilities.
To join this fundraising campaign, participants and supporters can send their contributions to CoRSU via MTN Mobile Money, Paybill Code: 599 393, or Airtel Money Paybill: 4369 188 registered under CoRSU Hospital. For enquiries about participating in the walk or purchasing event kits, the CoRSU Customer Care team is available on 0761-002111 or 0761-002157.
