MICHAEL N
Children with disabilities and pregnant women have been urged to always go for regular medical checkups to prevent avoidable body complications and injuries.
The call was made today by the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Uganda (SHA-Uganda) during a campaign aimed at improving the quality of life, raising awareness, promoting political advocacy, community building, and advancing human rights education for persons with disabilities in Ntungamo District.
The campaign included a community drive across Ntungamo Municipality, Ruhaama Town, Kitwe Town Council, Kafunjo, Mirama Hills Border, and Nyakyera Sub County, among other areas in the district.
As part of their outreach, the team visited Rwera School for the Deaf in Ruhaama—an institution that supports children with various disabilities such as hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and conditions like Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, which cause abnormal accumulation of fluids in the brain, leading to enlarged heads.
Sr. Josephine Owomukama, the Headmistress of Rwera School for the Deaf, thanked SHA-Uganda for conducting sensitization programs at the school and for teaching learners that “Disability is not Inability.” She explained that the school focuses on supporting children who are often neglected by society in terms of access to education, healthcare, and government programs.
The organization also showcased children born with disabilities who shared personal stories advocating for their rights and emphasizing the importance of regular hospital visits for medical checkups as recommended by doctors.
Nesty Owembambazi, a 22-year-old woman born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, shared her inspiring journey of recovery and transformation. She is now a professional nurse working at God Cares Clinic in Rwashamaire Town, Kajara, proving that with proper care and treatment, people with disabilities can achieve great success in life.
Betty Odongo, SHA-Uganda’s Western Region Programs Manager, educated the public on common signs and symptoms of these conditions in infants and young children, such as abnormally large head size, sun-setting eyes, seizures, sleepiness, and poor body formation.
She also urged pregnant women to seek regular antenatal care at hospitals where they can learn how to care for themselves and ensure the birth of healthy children. Betty further explained that these conditions may result from bleeding in the brain (especially among premature babies), head and brain injuries, poor feeding, and brain infections.
Stephania Tumuramye, a midwife and head of immunization for children under five at Kitwe Health Centre IV in Ruhaama, noted that most hospitals lack adequate facilities for treating children with disabilities. She said such cases are often referred to larger hospitals and specialized personnel in Mbarara and beyond. She commended SHA-Uganda for advocating for the treatment, rights, and sensitization of persons with disabilities in Ntungamo District.
As October is globally recognized as a month dedicated to promoting the well-being of persons with disabilities—celebrated every year on October 25th—SHA-Uganda has organized a one-day health camp at Kitwe Health Centre IV, scheduled for Thursday, October 16th, 2025. The camp will provide treatment, counseling, and guidance services for pregnant women and persons with disabilities across the district.
