A total of 28 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kapelebyong District have received a life-changing boost after being given specialized wheelchairs, thanks to the efforts of Hon. Anthony Esenu, the Member of Parliament for Kapelebyong County.
The wheelchairs, which were distributed over the weekend to beneficiaries drawn from various parishes across the district, were lobbied by Hon. Esenu from his German friends as part of his continued commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable persons in his constituency.
According to Hon. Esenu, the wheelchairs are not the ordinary type often found on the market, but are custom-built to meet the unique physical needs of each beneficiary.
“These wheelchairs are not only durable but also come fitted with unique serial numbers for tracking, storage bags, toolkits for maintenance, and adjustable features designed to provide maximum comfort,” Esenu explained during the handover ceremony.
He noted that before distribution, medical specialists carried out counseling sessions and physical assessments to ensure that each beneficiary received a wheelchair suited to their health condition and mobility requirements.
“This was not a random giveaway. We wanted to ensure that the support provided fits the actual needs of the people and helps them live more dignified lives,” the legislator emphasized.
Hon. Esenu, who was duly nominated last week to retain his parliamentary seat in the 2026 elections, reaffirmed his commitment to improving the lives of marginalized groups, particularly persons with disabilities, whom he said often face double discrimination due to poverty and mobility challenges.
He further revealed that the wheelchair distribution project will continue, with a second phase scheduled for next month.
“This is just the beginning. I have already secured another batch of wheelchairs that will arrive soon. I encourage those who have not benefited in this first phase to register with their parish coordinators so that they can be included in the next round,” he said.
The handover ceremony, held at Kapelebyong District Headquarters, attracted district leaders, disability representatives, and hundreds of well-wishers who turned up to witness the life-transforming event.
Mr. Charles Adoko, one of the project’s team leaders, commended Hon. Esenu for his tireless lobbying efforts and personal involvement in ensuring that the wheelchairs reached the intended beneficiaries.
“This initiative did not just happen overnight. It took months of planning, correspondence, and follow-up. We are grateful to Hon. Esenu for being a man of action who delivers on his promises,” Adoko said.
Similarly, Mr. Francis Ogogong, the Kapelebyong NRM Chairperson for Persons with Disabilities, praised the legislator for his compassion and leadership.
“Hon. Esenu has demonstrated that disability inclusion is not just about words but about practical action. These wheelchairs will change the way our people move, work, and interact with the community,” he noted.
Ogogong cautioned the beneficiaries against selling or misusing the wheelchairs, urging them instead to view them as instruments of empowerment.
“These wheelchairs are meant to help you regain your independence and dignity. Please take good care of them and use them responsibly,” he advised.
The distribution event was marked by emotional moments as several beneficiaries expressed their gratitude and shared how the donation would transform their daily lives.
One of the recipients, 45-year-old Mary Aciro from Obalanga Sub-county, said she had spent years crawling on the ground to reach trading centers and places of worship.
“Sometimes people would pity me and carry me, but most of the time I had to crawl. I would arrive dirty and exhausted. Today, I feel like a new person,” she said tearfully.
Another beneficiary, Samuel Ekud, a young man from Akoromit Parish, said the new wheelchair would allow him to resume his small-scale craft business.
“Before, I depended on others to move me around, but now I can reach the market myself. I thank Hon. Esenu for giving us back our mobility,” he said with a smile.
The distribution also served as a reminder of the broader call for inclusivity in community development programs.
Several local leaders used the occasion to urge government departments, NGOs, and development partners to prioritize disability-friendly projects in education, health, and infrastructure planning.
Hon. Esenu, in his closing remarks, pledged to continue advocating for more support for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in Kapelebyong.
“True leadership is about touching lives. My mission is to ensure that every citizen of Kapelebyong, regardless of their physical condition, feels valued, supported, and empowered to live a meaningful life,” he concluded.
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