Occupational Therapy in Uganda

In Uganda, many people face physical, mental, or developmental challenges that make everyday life difficult—whether it’s dressing, walking, studying, or even returning to work after an illness. This is where Occupational Therapists (OTs) come in. They’re not just healthcare workers—they’re problem-solvers, educators, and advocates helping people regain their independence and dignity.

Although occupational therapy is still growing in Uganda, it’s already making a real difference in hospitals, schools, homes, and communities.

In this post, we explore what occupational therapy is, how it’s practiced in Uganda, where services are found, and what the future holds for this life-changing profession.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy helps people of all ages do the everyday things they want or need to do—especially after an injury, illness, or disability. These everyday tasks (called “occupations”) include bathing, feeding, learning, working, and playing.

In Uganda, OTs support a wide range of people:

• A child with autism who needs help learning how to socialize.

• An adult recovering from a stroke and learning to walk again.

• A mother with depression trying to care for her family.

• A man with a spinal cord injury learning to live independently.

OTs look at the whole person—not just their medical condition—and help them live a better, fuller life.

A Brief Look at the Journey of OT in Uganda

Occupational therapy started in Uganda in the 1970s, introduced by Ugandans who had trained abroad. The earliest services were set up in Mulago Hospital and Butabika Mental Hospital.

In 1994, Uganda took a major step forward by opening its own school of Occupational Therapy at Mulago. This made it possible to train therapists locally, rather than relying on foreign-trained professionals.

Since then, over 100 occupational therapists have been trained in Uganda. Many now work across the country, bringing hope and healing to thousands.

Where Can You Find Occupational Therapists in Uganda?

Today, OTs are found in more places than ever before. Here’s where you’re most likely to meet one:

Government Hospitals

• Mulago National Referral Hospital: Offers a wide range of OT services including stroke rehab, pediatric therapy, and orthopedic care.

• Butabika Mental Hospital: Uganda’s main mental health facility where OTs use creative therapies like music, art, and daily living skills to support patients.

• Regional and District Hospitals: Many are now hiring OTs to help with rehabilitation and disability care, especially in rural areas.

Private Clinics and Special Needs Schools

Some private schools and therapy centers employ OTs to work with children with autism, cerebral palsy, and learning disabilities.

NGOs and Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR)

Organizations like CoRSU, AVSI, and Light for the World support community programs that bring therapy directly to people’s homes—especially in remote areas.

How Occupational Therapists are Trained in Uganda

There are two main training options:

1. Diploma in Occupational Therapy – Offered at the School of OT at Mulago. This 3-year program teaches theory and hands-on skills.

2. Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees – Available at Makerere University, one of Uganda’s top institutions.

OT students study everything from human anatomy to psychology and community health, and they get real experience in hospitals, schools, and community settings.

More recently, there’s been a push to train specialists in areas like spinal injuries, mental health, and pediatrics.

The Role of the Uganda Association of Occupational Therapists (UAOT)

The Uganda Association of Occupational Therapists (UAOT) is the official body that supports and regulates the OT profession in Uganda.

UAOT:

• Keeps a record of all practicing therapists.

• Organizes workshops and refresher training.

• Works with government and international partners.

• Promotes awareness about OT through events and campaigns.

They’ve also helped bring international trainers to Uganda and connected local therapists to global networks.

Real-Life Impact: What OTs Do on the Ground

Let’s look at some of the ways occupational therapists help in Uganda:

• In Mental Health: Helping patients with depression or schizophrenia learn how to cook, clean, and reintegrate into society.

• In Pediatrics: Supporting children with delays in movement, speech, or learning to catch up and enjoy school.

• In Hospitals: Assisting stroke survivors to regain movement and relearn basic life skills.

• In Homes and Villages: Teaching families how to care for children with disabilities using everyday materials and simple tools.

In many cases, OTs create custom devices using local, affordable materials—like wood, cloth, or recycled items. This makes therapy more accessible and sustainable for Ugandan communities.

New Developments and Training

In 2024, Uganda hosted its first-ever spinal cord injury training for OTs. This event was organized by UAOT in partnership with Physiopedia and ReLAB-HS and brought together therapists from across the country.

They learned how to:

• Assess and treat spinal injuries.

• Recommend assistive devices like wheelchairs.

• Provide emotional support to patients and families.

This kind of specialized training is expected to continue, giving Ugandan therapists more tools to handle complex cases.

The Challenges Ahead

While there’s a lot of progress, the profession still faces some hurdles:

• Limited awareness: Many people don’t know what occupational therapy is or how it can help.

• Few therapists: With just over 100 OTs serving nearly 50 million people, the demand far outweighs supply.

• Urban-centered services: Most OTs are based in cities like Kampala, leaving rural areas underserved.

• Lack of resources: Many facilities still lack proper therapy equipment or designated spaces.

So, What’s Next for OT in Uganda?

There’s so much potential to grow this profession and help even more people. Here’s what we hope to see:

• More therapists trained every year.

• More hospitals and schools hiring OTs.

• Stronger partnerships between government, NGOs, and the private sector.

• Better awareness so that more people can access therapy early.

With more investment and awareness, occupational therapy can transform how we support people living with disabilities or recovering from illness in Uganda.

Final Thoughts

Occupational therapy may not be as well-known as other medical fields in Uganda—but it’s quietly changing lives every single day.

Whether it’s helping a child hold a spoon, a grandmother walk again, or a teenager return to school after trauma, OTs are making a difference where it matters most.

If you’re a parent, teacher, healthcare worker, or policymaker—now is the time to learn about, support, and promote occupational therapy in Uganda.

You May Also want to read about Speech Therapy In Uganda.

Written by admin