Challenges of Limb Loss in Uganda: Causes and Consequences

The most common causes of limb loss in Uganda include road accidents, which are frequent due to poor infrastructure and a high rate of traffic collisions, as well as chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer, which can lead to complications requiring amputation. War injuries from past and ongoing conflicts have also contributed significantly to the number of individuals living with limb loss. Unfortunately, despite the prevalence and impact of these issues, the government has consistently neglected to allocate sufficient funding for rehabilitation services and the purchase of assistive technologies like prosthetic limbs. This lack of support has led to a significant financial burden on individuals with disabilities and their families, as the cost of acquiring artificial limbs is prohibitively high for many Ugandans, severely limiting their access to essential mobility aids and rehabilitation resources.