Sickle cell warriors at Mukono General Hospital have received a boost after the Sarafina Sickle Cell Society donated four wheelchairs and more than 2,000 Sickle Scan test kits to improve access to care and mobility support.
The donation, supported by U.S.-based partners — My Three Sicklers Foundation and Sickle Forward — targets vulnerable patients, especially those who have suffered strokes and face mobility challenges.
Joel Mugwanya, field officer at the Sarafina Sickle Cell Society, said the support was inspired by the real needs of patients and their families. “We have been able to donate four wheelchairs to sickle cell warriors who got strokes and have issues with mobility at home and at the hospital when they come for medication refills,” he said.
He added that most of the patients are cared for by single mothers or grandparents who can barely afford daily necessities, let alone mobility aids like wheelchairs.
Among the beneficiaries is Lydia Mutesi, a single mother from Buyuki in Nama Subcounty, who has been struggling to care for her son.
“My boy is too heavy to carry and cannot walk on his own,” she said. “With this wheelchair, it’s a huge relief. I can now easily take him to the hospital and around the home.”
Dr. Wyclif Kisinga, head of the Sickle Cell Clinic at Mukono General Hospital, said the facility currently cares for more than 900 sickle cell warriors.
“We have warriors suffering from conditions like avascular necrosis, which affects the bones and leaves them unable to walk. Such patients need orthopedic gadgets, crutches, and more wheelchairs,” he said.
He added that improved access to mobility aids is not just a matter of comfort but one of dignity and opportunity, especially for children living with disabilities caused by sickle cell complications.
Beyond mobility support, the Sarafina Sickle Cell Society also donated 2,220 Sickle Scan test kits to strengthen early detection and diagnosis across the district. Ten health facilities benefited, including Mukono General Hospital and the Health Centre IIIs of Kyabazala, Katoogo, Nakifuuma, Kasaawo, Goma, Sseta-Nazzigo, Mpunge, Kabanga, and Koja Health Centre IV.
Dr. Kisinga said increased infant screening and community awareness, in partnership with the Sarafina Foundation, have led to a rise in diagnosed cases.
“As the number of sickle cell warriors in Mukono grows, we call on government agencies, partners, and well-wishers to support special needs services, ensure steady drug supplies, and provide mobility aids and inclusive education,” he said.
“We are grateful for this support, but the need remains great,” Dr. Kisinga added. “Every wheelchair, every test kit, every tablet of Hydroxyurea brings us a step closer to giving these warriors a better life.”
