RCDA In New Advocacy Drive for Persons With Disabilities in Uganda
Added: (Sun Mar 01 2020)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
As Uganda braces for the much anticipated “Middle Income Status” in 2022, Rena Community Development Association, RCDA is launching a new advocacy drive to empower persons with disabilities in Uganda for 2020 and beyond.
“In the developing world persons with disabilities often find themselves marginalized and severely disadvantaged – from having to skip school as parents and relatives are forced to “prioritize”, to going without simple amenities like crutches, wheelchairs, and even shoes,” said Rena CEO, Katende T. Zikusooka
This is hardly surprising, but it spells disaster for a sizable chunk of the population of any African country. When you want to build a nation that works for all sections of the population, you can’t afford to leave the persons with disabilities to fend for themselves without the support of their country.
“We are deeply grateful for the support we’ve so far enjoyed from our partners “ said RCDA CEO, Katende T. Zikusooka, “but you wouldn’t believe it that even with the rate at which we are helping persons with disabilities in Uganda, all this equipment we’ve donated to date seems like a drop in the ocean! The rate at which people in Uganda and Africa in general are getting involved in maiming accidents is quite alarming. You have motorcycles – which are the most popular mode of transport in most African countries – then you have car traffic accidents. Things will probably get worse before they get any better…”
Rena Community Development Association, Uganda is currently heavily involved in sourcing and providing donated free mobility aids , including wheelchairs, crutches, walking aids, and walking sticks, in addition to equipping the disabled with skills and knowledge that could help them to attain self-reliance. Founded in 2010, they have been very instrumental in changing livelihoods and improving the quality of life for thousands of persons with disabilities in Uganda and some neighboring countries.
“Our principal function is to source disability equipment and aids from donors in Europe and America. We then work with local community organizations in Uganda and other neighboring countries to get these tools and aids to the people that need them the most. Our partner organizations include, NUDIPU Uganda, Crutches 4 Africa, WorkAID, Islamic Center for Education and Research, and others.”
But that’s not the full extent of RCDA’s contribution, because in most of the communities where they work, giving the disabled person mobility is often just the first step.
“We found that we also have to get involved to ensure their health, by for example creating inclusive sanitation facilities for them… and getting them to school, skilling them to become self-reliant, etc,” added Katende.
RCDA is located in Nansana East 2, Nansana Municipality, just 15 minutes drive out of Kampala. They can be contacted at their website – www.rcdauganda.org or by email at info@rcdauganda.org or by phone at: +256700147724