CoRSU aims to cut Uganda's child surgery backlog with October fundraising walk
CoRSU Hospital has launched the third edition of its Disability Walk, aiming to raise UGX 400 million to fund surgery and rehabilitation for 100 children with disabilities.
The walk is set for Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the MUBS Sports Ground. Organisers expect participation from government officials, corporate sponsors, healthcare workers, families and disability advocates.
The need
CoRSU says close to 300 children a year remain on waiting lists for orthopaedic surgery in Uganda due to funding shortfalls. The hospital estimates that reaching this year's UGX 400 million target, at an average cost of UGX 4 million per child for surgery, therapy, assistive devices and follow up care, would cut its backlog of unfunded surgeries by about a third.
Uganda's most recent national census found that 12.5 percent of the population lives with some form of disability.
Track record
Founded in 2006 as a private, not for profit hospital, CoRSU says it has since performed more than 70,000 surgeries and treated over 100,000 patients, with children accounting for roughly 80 percent of surgical cases. It reports carrying out between 2,500 and 5,246 procedures and about 12,500 therapy sessions annually.
Last year's walk raised more than UGX 71 million, well short of this year's target, which the hospital says funded surgery for 17 children, rehabilitation for 21 patients and other specialised care for 62 more.
Partners and funding
The event is organised with EMKA Foundation, Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Crown Beverages Limited, Great Outdoors, Humanity & Inclusion and the Uganda Development Corporation. CBM, Hope and Healing International, Smile Train and Miracle Feet are listed as donors to the hospital's broader work.
Officials' remarks
Speaking at the launch, Patrick Menya, a social gerontologist representing the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, called disability inclusion a shared responsibility across government, the private sector and communities.
CoRSU chief executive Robert Ochai said this year's higher target reflects rising demand for the hospital's services.
