"I Can Move Freely Now": A New Wheelchair Propels Jane Toward Her Dreams

Jane, 19, moves through the narrow paths of her refugee settlement with a confidence that would have been impossible just a few years ago. 

The settlement’s red-dust roads, and small paths between homes, are no longer obstacles she must crawl across; she navigates them smoothly in her wheelchair, a gift that has changed not just how she moves, but how she sees her future.

Jane’s journey has been defined by hardship from an early age. She fled South Sudan in 2016 with her family, seeking safety from the violence that tore her homeland apart. But even before displacement, life had dealt her a difficult hand. 

Around the age of nine, she noticed her legs losing sensation. “I began walking while pulling myself along the ground because I couldn’t stand,” she recalls.

Medical care revealed the cause: tuberculosis of the bones. Treatment began, but the damage to her legs was permanent. Everyday tasks became enormous challenges. 

“Going to the toilet, visiting the hospital, even socialising, it was all so hard,” she says. For years, Jane crawled to get around, feeling isolated and powerless. “I thought I would never be able to socialise or contribute to my own well-being,” she admits.

Her life began to shift in 2018 when a local organisation provided her first wheelchair. It was a small device, and it required repairs, but for Jane, it represented something far bigger: independence and hope. 

This year, through a project run by World Vision Uganda with support from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland (MOFA), she received a new, sturdier wheelchair, one designed to enhance mobility, comfort, and long-term use.

“With my new wheelchair, I can go to the market, visit friends, and move freely around the settlement,” Jane says. The newfound mobility has given her confidence and opened doors to possibilities she once thought unreachable.

Now, Jane is looking toward the future with determination. She dreams of learning hairdressing and becoming a skilled stylist, envisioning a life where she can support herself and her family. 

“With the support I have received, I believe I can achieve my goals and build a brighter future,” she says, eyes bright with hope.

Jane’s story reflects the experiences of many refugees with disabilities, who face the double burden of displacement and daily physical challenges. 

Across Uganda, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) make up a significant portion of the refugee population, with estimates suggesting that over 12% live with some form of disability. 

Programs like the one that supported Jane are crucial in breaking down barriers to mobility, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, giving young people like her a chance to reclaim independence and build a future full of possibilities.

By: Matthew Kisa, Communications Officer.