A care centre for children with disabilities in Masaka has raised alarm over rising operational costs, saying the lack of financial support is threatening the wellbeing of its residents.
St Vincent Palloti Transitory Nursing Home, located in Kitovu, Luvule Parish, looks after children with physical disabilities, spinal injuries, and conditions like cerebral palsy.
Despite having over 715 registered individuals in need, the facility can only accommodate 21 children due to limited resources.
Sister Maria Sylvia Nassaka, who oversees the centre, says the facility struggles to provide essential care including specialised medical services and balanced diets.
“We have to hire speech therapists, orthopaedic doctors, physiotherapists, and psychiatrists to monitor the children’s progress weekly,” she said.
“Each visit costs at least UGX 100,000 in transport refunds. Sometimes we can’t afford it, and the children miss out on care, it’s heartbreaking.”
Sr Nassaka added that the home urgently needs assistive devices like wheelchairs, walkers, canes, hearing aids, communication aids, and even basic items such as bedding.
With no stable source of income, the home relies on donations and church-based fundraising drives.
This week, the Lions Club of Masaka donated food and other items to the centre during a courtesy visit.
Emanuel Ssenyonga, president of the Lions Club of Masaka, said the support was part of a wider effort leading up to the launch of the new Greater Masaka Lions Club.
“The children here come from families who can barely support them. We are calling on more good Samaritans to lend a hand so that these children can grow into independent individuals,” he said.
Fr Vincent Nanseera, the new president of the Greater Masaka Lions Club, applauded the home’s work and urged the government to step in.
“These centres play a vital role in the rehabilitation and empowerment of children with disabilities. They should not be left to struggle alone,” she said.
As Uganda continues to grapple with the challenges of supporting persons with disabilities, voices from centres like St Vincent Palloti are a stark reminder of the gaps that still need urgent attention.
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