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Welcome To The Eye Magazine Directory
Creating a world where all children have equal opportunities to thrive.
Rising high atop a bushy ridge sits the stately Kyaninga Lodge. Like a royal abode of days gone by, its pitched grass thatch roof gently brushes the ground like the majestic raiment of a monarch. Overlooking one of many still, deep lakes of this mountainous kingdom from which she draws her name, the lodge is an engineering masterpiece of age-old technology, built with extraordinary skill and love by Steve Williams. As befits her name, which means to “spoil” or “pamper” in the Rutoro language, Kyaninga is the perfect blend of traditional elegance, unassuming beauty and modern luxuries.
This monumental task of six years of Kyaninga Lodge construction paled in comparison to the challenges faced by Steve and Asha William after the birth of their son Sidney, who was born with severe epilepsy and developmental delay. The Williams struggled to find appropriate care in Uganda, not just for Sidney but for other families in similar situations. Shunned by the community because of widespread beliefs that disability is contagious or caused by witchcraft, it was a dire situation that served as the inspiration for the formation of Kyaninga Child Development Centre (KCDC) together with paediatric physiotherapist Fiona Beckerlegge in 2014.
The Therapy and Rehabilitation Centre was the starting point for KCDC. It has expanded its reach, now assisting over 1,000 children monthly with physical, occupational, and speech therapy, in addition to providing orthopedic splinting and casting. KCDC also delivers specialized education and individual support, alongside community-based rehabilitation services in homes, schools, and local health centers.
As Sidney and his two younger siblings grew, so did Kyaninga Lodge — a testament to Steve’s successful conservation efforts. The forests surrounding the lodge saw the return of various wildlife, including porcupines, serval cats, and diverse bird species. However, a new hurdle emerged. Steve recounts,
“We couldn’t find anybody doing inclusive education. We kept looking around without any luck. Finally, we decided we needed to start it ourselves.”
This led to the establishment of the Kyaninga Inclusive Model School (KIMS), which was offered in the lodge’s ballroom facility. KIMS has achieved this vision by bringing together children with disabilities and typical learners from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to learn side by side and give hope to children with disabilities who would otherwise be isolated and robbed of the chance to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
Due to the success of KIMS, more parents brought their children to KCDC. This prompted William and his team to reassess their strategy to accommodate the increasing number of children in relation to available school space and teachers. As a result, KCDC launched the Kyaninga Inclusive Education Hub (KIEH). Its focus is long-term training and support, empowering teachers to become inclusion champions. The success of KIEH is based on KIMS, which offers targeted education to children with disabilities whilst simultaneously training Special Educational Needs (SEN) teachers and modelling inclusive teaching techniques. The teachers undergo a comprehensive two-year training programme including workshop-based professional development, complemented by work experience at KIMS. This breaks down barriers and supports all children. This isn’t a quick fix; it’s an investment in their skills and knowledge.
Challenges, as they say, are endless, and another one was brewing. Therapists conducting sessions in homes, schools, and health centres frequently encountered children in need of mobility and other assistive devices. Lack of mobility and assistive devices is a big challenge in Uganda — a daily struggle amplified by the few imported wheelchairs that are ill-suited for the rugged African terrain. Steve and his team once again went back to the drawing board, and Kyaninga Mobility (KM) was born in 2021.
Redefining Mobility in Uganda
After extensive trial and error, Kyaninga Mobility achieved a significant breakthrough: the production of essential assistive devices, including wheelchairs, standing frames, and seating aids, using locally sourced bamboo and other locally available materials. A visit to the Mobility production yard offers a fascinating glimpse into the heart of innovation.
Here, skilled workers are meticulously engaged in refining existing mobility device designs, constantly striving for improvements in functionality, durability, and user comfort. Simultaneously, the vibrant hum of ongoing discussions fills the air as teams collaborate on the development of entirely new devices, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mobility solutions. This dynamic environment is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the craftspeople, who are committed to enhancing the lives of individuals with mobility challenges not only in Kyaninga but beyond.
In addition, KCDC organizes community awareness and advocacy workshops — dynamic, interactive platforms designed to disseminate vital information on health and social issues. By equipping community members with knowledge, KCDC empowers them to make informed decisions about their well-being and that of their families. These workshops are a means to dismantle societal barriers and prejudices and foster an environment of understanding and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their background or capabilities.
The year 2024 marked a pivotal moment for KCDC with the successful completion and relocation to its purpose-built Centre of Excellence (COE). This ambitious project, years in the making, has culminated in a facility meticulously designed to foster a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to providing comprehensive, holistic services for families and their children living with disabilities. Four key operational blocks housing therapy and rehabilitation and a modern administrative office are now fully functional and bustling with activity.
The vibrant atmosphere at the COE is palpable — a true “beehive of activity” as construction continues on other buildings. These additions will solidify the COE as a true beacon of hope for inclusive development, not just for the children but their entire families. The careful execution of this project underscores KCDC’s dedication to creating an environment where children with disabilities can thrive, access vital resources, and become integral members of their communities.
A journey to Kyaninga Lodge, offering an unparalleled experience in luxury and natural beauty, is intrinsically linked with an understanding of the profound work undertaken by KCDC. This symbiotic relationship between sustainable tourism and community empowerment truly distinguishes Kyaninga. A visit to the lodge, therefore, is incomplete without embarking on a short, pleasant stroll that leads visitors to the community tree nursery — a project under Kyaninga Forest Foundation (KFF). To date, KFF has successfully planted over 150,000 indigenous trees, an achievement that has contributed significantly to environmental restoration across several districts. This initiative extends beyond mere tree planting. The community involvement strengthens their commitment to preserving their natural heritage and also empowers them economically, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their collective efforts.
Looking Ahead
Under the unwavering leadership of Steve Williams and his dedicated team, Kyaninga Lodge, KCDC, and KFF persist in their crucial work. Their tireless efforts continue to improve and positively change lives throughout the seven districts they serve, creating a ripple effect of positive environmental and social impact that resonates far beyond the immediate vicinity of the Kyaninga Lodge. This ongoing commitment to both nature and community exemplifies the spirit of Kyaninga, making every visit a contribution to a healthier, brighter, and greener future.
