In 2021, CanUgan initiated a partnership with Dr. O’Neil from the University of Ottawa, School
of Rehabilitation Sciences, to collaborate in a small internationalization of the curriculum project.
The aim of this project was to integrate international and intercultural perspectives into the
physiotherapy program curriculum by facilitating communication between people living with
disabilities in Uganda and Canadian physiotherapy students. Through this project, CanUgan and
Dr. O’Neil collaborated with KADUPEDI to secure a communication hub facilitating
international collaboration with video telecommunication via internet connection and computer
with audio-visual capacity.

A subsequent CIHR research planning project, between 2023-2025, initiated by Dr. O’Neil, and
in partnership with CanUgan and KADUPEDI, involved direct engagement with over 375
Ugandan PWD participants, community leaders and caregivers in 6 Kasese District community
events. As part of the project’s community engagement process, research priorities were co-
developed with over 150 members during and subsequent to the 6 community events. A report
with findings and recommendations was generated, translated into a number of Ugandan dialects
and presented in dissemination meetings to community groups in Kasese district by our
KADUPEDI partners in Kasese.

We believe that this collaboration with uOttawa is a perfect example of how forging sustainable
and mutually beneficial partnerships delivers community-based solutions and empowerment to
address the needs of the disabled. We continue to work with Dr. O’Neil on new project
proposals and are grateful for this successful partnership.