Polio survivor shares the struggles of living without a wheelchair

Lamwo | “It is only when you experience a disability that you truly understand how painful it is to walk without a wheelchair,” said Francis Mugwanya, a polio survivor, as he shared his emotional journey of living with a physical disability.

Mugwanya, now in his early forties, was diagnosed with polio at the age of three. The disease left him with limited mobility in both legs, making walking a daily struggle.

Growing up in a small village without access to proper medical care or assistive devices, he often had to crawl or rely on makeshift supports to move around.

“For most of my childhood, I didn’t have a wheelchair. My parents couldn’t afford one, and there were no donations or support programs available in our area back then,” Mugwanya recalled. “Every step I took came with pain and frustration, but giving up was never an option.”

Despite the challenges, Mugwanya pursued his education, often being carried to school by his older brother. He now works as a disability rights advocate, raising awareness about accessibility issues and the importance of mobility aids for people with physical impairments.

He founded Father’s Heart Mobility Ministry, a Kampala-based non-governmental organization. Mugwanya has been at the forefront of mobility support efforts across 125 districts in Uganda including Lamwo district, advocating for greater inclusion and opportunity.

“Many people take the ability to walk for granted,” he said. “But for someone like me, a wheelchair isn’t just a tool, it’s freedom, dignity, and the chance to live a life with independence.”

Mugwanya urges society to be more empathetic and inclusive. He believes that awareness and action can create a world where people with disabilities are no longer left behind.

In a heartfelt gesture of support and empowerment, Father’s Heart Mobility Ministry has donated 200 wheelchairs to people with disabilities in Lamwo, Kitgum and Pader districts. This initiative aims to enhance mobility and foster independence among the beneficiaries.

Mugwanya stressed that the initiative is designed to empower people with disabilities, enabling them to integrate into society and engage in productive activities.

He praised the parents and families who support their loved ones with disabilities, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their care and advocacy.

One of the recipients, Nelson Ocaya, shared an emotional testimony about the transformative impact of the wheelchair on her child’s life.

Angom expressed hope that her child can now pursue education and community engagement more actively, urging parents to recognize the immense potential in children with disabilities.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Salume Lado, another beneficiary, who emphasized the importance of supporting and integrating family members with disabilities into society.

Pastor Nyeko Denis of Christian Community Church, Padibe in Lamwo district commended the initiative and called on the community to work collaboratively with people with disabilities, acknowledging their equal dignity and value.

He emphasized the need for beneficiaries to use the wheelchairs responsibly and highlighted ongoing district efforts to improve accessibility and support for persons with disabilities.

However, they acknowledged persistent challenges such as inaccessible healthcare facilities and congested public spaces that limit participation.

William Komakech, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Lamwo, applauded the initiative and urged beneficiaries to inspire others through their resilience. He noted that more programs are in the pipeline to uplift marginalized communities.

Lamwo district, with its growing population of people with disabilities, continues to benefit from initiatives like these, bridging gaps and offering hope to some of the most vulnerable residents. Organizations such as Father’s Heart Mobility Ministry play a vital role in fostering a more inclusive society.

According to a 2014 study by Trócaire, 22% of Lamwo district’s population was identified as having a disability, significantly higher than the national average of 14.6% at the time.

A more recent nationwide census in 2024 found that Uganda has 5.5 million people with disabilities, representing 13.2% of the population.