In a continued effort to support Uganda’s disabled community, Ambassador Mirjam Blaak, Uganda’s Head of Mission to Brussels, has successfully coordinated the delivery of 20 wheelchairs to disabled individuals across the country. 

This initiative was made possible through a partnership with the Belgian organization We Give Hope, which specializes in providing second-hand mobility aids to developing nations.

The collaboration came about following a request from Hon. William Nkurach, former Member of Parliament for the disabled, who highlighted the urgent need for mobility solutions for Uganda’s disabled population. 

Through We Give Hope, Ambassador Blaak and her team managed to secure wheelchairs but faced logistical challenges in transporting them to Uganda. Brussels Airlines stepped in, allowing embassy staff travelling to Entebbe to each bring a wheelchair on their flights, significantly contributing to the initial phase of deliveries.

One of the most poignant moments of this project came during a distribution event organized by Fenna Tujjune, a Ugandan NGO dedicated to supporting disabled individuals. 

As one of the beneficiaries, a young boy named Waswa crawled to receive his wheelchair, his joy was palpable. His excitement was so profound that he chose to sleep in his new wheelchair that night, symbolizing the profound impact these donations have on the lives of recipients.

“The happiness on the children’s faces makes all the challenges worth it,” said Ambassador Blaak. “However, we are still faced with logistical barriers in getting these wheelchairs to Uganda. Despite being provided free of charge by We Give Hope, the transportation costs remain a major hurdle.”

To overcome this challenge, the embassy collaborated with Interplast Holland, another organization that assisted in shipping additional wheelchairs. Marinus Stijn, a key partner in the initiative, offered space in a container he was sending to Uganda, facilitating the recent delivery of eight more wheelchairs.

At a wheelchair distribution event organized by Ramonah Shantal Olunda, the President of Persons with Disabilities at the Women Entrepreneurship Forum Africa and founder of Fenna Tujjune, eight disabled youths received wheelchairs, transforming their mobility prospects. However, a ninth child was left without a chair, highlighting the continuing demand for such equipment.

Ambassador Blaak has vowed to ensure that the remaining child receives a wheelchair before Christmas, once again appealing to Brussels Airlines for support. The Embassy has also called on the Ugandan public and business community to assist by offering space in containers or shipments from Belgium and the Netherlands to facilitate the transport of additional wheelchairs.

“This year’s donations have been incredibly impactful, but the demand for mobility solutions continues to grow,” said Ramonah Shantal Olunda. “We encourage anyone who can contribute to this cause to do so, ensuring that no disabled person is left without the assistance they need.”

Beyond the donation of wheelchairs, Marinus Stijn has also helped establish a connection with a Swiss organization that provides tablets and laptops to Fenna Tujjune. These devices will enable the NGO to offer ICT training for disabled individuals, further enhancing their ability to participate in educational and economic activities.

This collaborative effort underscores the importance of global partnerships in improving the lives of disabled individuals in Uganda. With continued support from partners such as We Give Hope, Interplast Holland, and Brussels Airlines, the Embassy remains committed to securing more wheelchairs and extending hope to Uganda’s disabled community.