Advancing Mobility for Children and Families Living with Neuromuscular Conditions

In 2025, the Sapphire Africa Foundation, in partnership with The Only Project, strengthened its commitment to improving the lives of individuals affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) through a large-scale mobility support initiative across Uganda and Kenya.

Through this effort, the Foundation successfully distributed 97 wheelchairs alongside more than 100 orthotic assistive devices, directly impacting children and adults living with severe neuromuscular conditions. This intervention addressed one of the most urgent and often overlooked challenges faced by affected families limited mobility and the loss of independence.

Targeted Support Delivering Life-Changing Impact

Of the total wheelchairs distributed, 20 were provided to children living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, while the remaining 77 supported individuals with Becker Muscular Dystrophy and other advanced neuromuscular conditions. This targeted allocation ensured that support reached those with the greatest need, particularly individuals experiencing progressive muscle degeneration.

For many families, access to a wheelchair marked a turning point restoring not only physical movement but also confidence, dignity, and the ability to participate in everyday life.

Progress Toward an Ambitious Goal

The Foundation had set a target of distributing 122 wheelchairs in 2025. Achieving 97 distributions represents approximately 79.5% of the annual target, a significant milestone given the logistical, financial, and operational challenges involved in reaching underserved communities.

While the remaining gap of 25 wheelchairs underscores the growing demand for assistive devices among low-income families, it also highlights a clear opportunity for expanded impact in the coming year. The Foundation remains committed to closing this gap and ensuring that no child or adult is left behind due to lack of mobility support.

The Power of Partnership in Driving Change

This achievement was made possible through the collaboration and generosity of our key partner The Only Project, Through this partnership, the initiative extended beyond equipment distribution to deliver meaningful, life-enhancing support to beneficiaries and their families.

As one program lead at the Foundation noted:

“Mobility is more than movement it is access to education, healthcare, and community life. Every wheelchair we provide represents freedom, dignity, and a renewed sense of possibility.”

Transformational Outcomes for Beneficiaries and Caregivers

Follow-up assessments conducted by field teams revealed that 92% of beneficiaries experienced improved participation in daily life activities, including attending school, engaging socially, and taking part in community life. This demonstrates the profound role that mobility plays in enabling inclusion and personal development.

At the same time, caregivers reported a 40% reduction in the physical and emotional burden of care, as mobility support reduced the need for constant lifting and manual assistance. This shift allowed families to redirect time and energy toward income-generating activities and overall household well-being.

Asiimwe a  caregiver from western Uganda said:

“Before receiving the wheelchair, moving my child was a daily struggle. Now, life has changed. My child can go to school, and I have the strength to focus on providing for our family.”

Building an Inclusive Future Through Mobility

This initiative reflects our broader vision of building an inclusive society where individuals with disabilities are empowered to live full and dignified lives.

Each wheelchair distributed represents far more than a piece of equipment it is a gateway to opportunity, independence, and equality. It enables children to access education, adults to engage with their communities, and families to experience relief and renewed hope.

A Continuing Commitment to Close the Gap

As the demand for assistive devices continues to grow, the Foundation is scaling its efforts to reach more families across East Africa. The progress achieved in 2025 serves as both a milestone and a call to action to expand partnerships, mobilize resources, and ensure that mobility is not a privilege, but a right for all.