Katalemwa Cheshire Home for rehabilitation services (KCH) is one of the largest locally managed development NGOs working in the field of disability since its foundation in 1970. We believe that the participation of communities and other stakeholders in the rehabilitation process is an essential element for the success of the programmes. KCH therefore works in partnership with a range of stakeholders namely rehabilitation centres, hospitals, donors, local NGOs and other line agencies within the rehabilitation sector. Every minute, more than 30 children are seriously injured or disabled during their day today activities!

The number of children being affected by disabilities continues to grow each year. KCH receives about 40 CWDs on a daily basis and accommodates about 100 disabled children at the centre for short-term rehabilitation. KCH through a system of Parents Learning Committees reaches out to more than 15,000 disabled children and their families in their communities each year.

Central to KCH's development philosophy is the guiding principle that all activities are designed to achieve sustainable economic and social independence of children with disabilities (CWDs), through their own participation, and that of their families and communities.  

‘My name is Nabukenya Mauricia. I was born normal like any other child in 1994 in Mbarara district (south western Uganda) in a village called Kitikyamuwogo where my mother lived.

  At 10 years of age, I felt like I had malaria, I was taken to a nearby clinic but they said they could not handle my condition and I was referred to Masaka Regional Hospital. Upon reaching there, I was again referred to Mulago National Regional Hospital in Kampala.

I was excited and thought my pain and worries where going to end because at this point I was in a lot of excruciating pain.  

But Alas!!!!!! At mulago I was told I had CANCER!!!!!!!!!!! I was at a loss of words since I knew for sure my life was going to end!! While lying on the ward a parent of a disabled child at Katalemwa Cheshire Home convinced my mother who was attending to me to try and take me to Katalemwa Cheshire Home (KCH). I was discharged and went to KCH.  

Upon reaching KCH I was relieved to be informed by the Orthopaedic surgeon that I had Tuberculosis of the bone (TB) and this was less serious than cancer!!

I was immediately started on anti-TB medication and within a few months the pain was no more!! I also had surgery done to straighten my hips so that I could be able to walk again!!!!!!!  

One year down the road I can now walk independently (though sometimes I need a walking cane for support), I am also fortunate to get support with my education and now I am in Primary Two and have long forgotten the pain and hardship I went through thanks to the tireless effort and work of the good team at KCH.

My mother too, is happy to have come to KCH. She has learnt quite a lot here and is actively involved in the parent group.'

KCH is donor dependant so the disabled children and their families need to contribute for the rehabilitation. On average it costs eighteen thousand shillings (18,000/=) daily for us to care for a disabled child residing at KCH and five thousand (5,000/=) for day care service. Hearing stories from Disabled children and seeing how every day they and their families struggle to survive, we are compelled to take a step forward to raise money for their rehabilitation. KCH believes that all Disabled children have the right to medical services that allows them to overcome the barriers they may face to full participation in an active life

KCH has been supported by various donors, e.g Lillian Fonds, IFSBH, CBM, Cordaid, ISP, AVSI and many individuals. But considering the numbers of Disabled children in the country we need more support. My appeal to you therefore is that you donate to help more helpless and needy children like me to access comprehensive rehabilitation services at KCH. Contact KCH to donate and save the life of a CWD from pain, stigma and to ensure a better quality of life Your contribution will improve the lives of children with disabilities by supporting their rehabilitation process.