Healing Beyond Borders: How FAST is Supporting South Sudanese Refugees with Disabilities in Northern Uganda

A grandmother and her granddaughter, who lives with cerebral palsy, made the long journey from the Paluda Refugee Settlement in Lamwo District to Gulu. Their purpose: to attend vital speech and language therapy sessions provided by a dedicated speech therapist from FAST

When South Sudan gained independence in 2011, hope filled the air. But for many, that hope quickly faded as the country slipped into years of civil war and unrest. Since then, hundreds of thousands of South Sudanese have been forced to flee their homes, crossing into neighbouring countries in search of safety. Uganda particularly Northern Uganda has become a major refuge due to its proximity and open-door policy.

Every year, Northern Uganda sees a growing number of South Sudanese refugees arriving in desperate need of help. Many are children, women, and people with disabilities. They arrive with heavy burdens some physical, others emotional. Trauma, malnutrition, and lack of access to medical and rehabilitative care are just a few of the challenges they face.

That’s where Faith Audiology & Speech Therapy Organization (FAST) comes in.

Based in Northern Uganda, FAST is a grassroots organization providing inclusive health rehabilitation services to people with disabilities especially those living in refugee settlements. What makes FAST stand out is its deep commitment to reaching the most vulnerable, right where they are, through voluntary outreach programs in the camps.

What FAST Does

1. Post-Traumatic Counselling War leaves invisible wounds. FAST offers trauma counselling to adolescents, youth, and adults who have experienced the horrors of conflict. These services help individuals process their grief, build resilience, and begin to heal mentally and emotionally.

2. Speech Therapy for Children Many children with disabilities in the camps face speech and communication challenges. FAST provides personalized speech therapy, helping these children find their voices literally and figuratively and empowering them to connect with the world around them.

3. Feeding Support for Children with Disabilities Disability and malnutrition often go hand in hand in refugee settings. FAST delivers feeding and nutritional support to children with disabilities, ensuring they receive not only food but care tailored to their specific needs.

Why This Work Matters

Refugee crises often draw attention to urgent needs like food and shelter, but rehabilitation services for people with disabilities are frequently overlooked. FAST fills that critical gap, offering long-term, holistic care to help individuals recover, integrate, and thrive.

By working directly in the settlements, FAST ensures that support reaches those who might otherwise be left behind.

As the refugee situation continues to evolve, so does FAST’s dedication to bringing healing, inclusion, and hope to people living through unimaginable circumstances.

Want to learn more about FAST’s work or support their mission? Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved.