Wheelchairs and Testing Kits Boost Sickle Cell Care at Mukono General Hospital

Mukono– Sickle cell warriors at Mukono General Hospital have gained renewed hope following a generous donation from the Sarafina Sickle Cell Society, which provided four wheelchairs and over 2,000 sickle scan test kits to support mobility and improve access to early diagnosis.

The initiative, backed by U.S.-based partners — My Three Sicklers Foundation and Sickle Forward — aims to reach some of the most vulnerable patients, especially those living with stroke-related disabilities that limit movement.

According to Joel Mugwanya, Field Officer at Sarafina Sickle Cell Society, the donation was driven by the real needs of patients and their caregivers.

“We identified four warriors who suffered strokes and struggle with movement both at home and at the hospital,” Mugwanya explained. “Most of them are cared for by single mothers or grandparents who already face financial hardships, making it nearly impossible to afford mobility aids like wheelchairs.”

One of the recipients, Lydia Mutesi, a single mother from Buyuki in Nama Subcounty, expressed relief and gratitude after receiving a wheelchair for her son.

“My boy is too heavy to carry and cannot walk,” she said. “With this wheelchair, I can now take him to the hospital and move him around with ease. It’s a huge relief.”

At Mukono General Hospital, the Sickle Cell Clinic currently supports more than 900 patients, according to Dr. Wyclif Kisinga, the clinic’s head.

He noted that several of these patients suffer from conditions such as avascular necrosis, which affects the bones and often results in loss of mobility.

“Many of our patients need orthopedic gadgets, crutches, and more wheelchairs,” Dr. Kisinga explained. “Access to such aids restores dignity and opens up opportunities, especially for children living with disabilities caused by sickle cell complications.”

Expanding Early Testing and Diagnosis

In addition to the mobility aids, the Sarafina Sickle Cell Society donated 2,220 sickle scan test kits to strengthen early detection and screening across Mukono District.

Ten health facilities benefited from this consignment, including Mukono General Hospital and health centre IIIs at Kyabazala, Katoogo, Nakifuuma, Kasaawo, Goma, Sseta-Nazzigo, Mpunge, Kabanga, and Koja Health Centre IV.

Dr. Kisinga attributed the increase in diagnosed cases to intensified infant screening and community sensitization campaigns, carried out in partnership with Sarafina Foundation.

A Call for Continued Support

With the number of sickle cell warriors in Mukono steadily rising, health professionals are appealing to government agencies, development partners, and well-wishers to step up support for specialized services, consistent drug supplies, mobility aids, and inclusive education for children affected by sickle cell disease.

“We are grateful for the ongoing support,” Dr. Kisinga said. “But the need is still overwhelming. Every wheelchair, every test kit, every tablet of Hydroxyurea helps us get closer to improving the lives of these warriors.”