Happy and Healthy Mothers
Asara Donald Update
A huge thanks to our many donors who supported our appeal to help Community Process Facilitator, Asara Donald, after his motorbike accident at the end of August.
Lulu, CRESS medical officer, has visited Asara, who is living with his sister and her family in Kampala, and written this report to keep us up-to-date with his recovery.
Photos: Asara and Lulu at Mulago Hospital for the review.
"The review conducted by the orthopaedic team at Mulago demonstrated encouraging recovery. The treating consultant described the prognosis as good to very good and reported no current post-operative complications. No evidence of surgical failure, neurological deterioration or active infection was identified.
Nonetheless, recovery following spinal cord injury remains gradual and unpredictable, making it difficult to determine when independent walking may be achieved. The consultant emphasised the importance of physiotherapy, psychosocial support, family support, nutrition and financial support in determining long-term outcomes.
My direct observations, supported by medical and physiotherapy assessments, confirmed significant improvement compared to Asara's condition immediately after surgery. During the visit, Asara was conscious, alert and fully oriented. He was able to communicate effectively, sit independently, use a wheelchair, voluntarily move both upper and lower limbs, pick light objects, partially feed himself and demonstrate improved bowel sensation. However, he continues to experience significant weakness in all limbs, remains dependent on caregivers for several activities of daily living and is currently unable to walk independently. The urinary catheter remains in situ and ongoing rehabilitation remains medically necessary.
The rehabilitation assessment demonstrated substantial gains since physiotherapy commenced on 22nd September 2026. The physiotherapist reported improvements in muscle strength, sitting balance, mobility and functionality. Intensive physiotherapy remains necessary and should continue for at least the next two months, after which the intensity may be adjusted depending on progress achieved."
Photo: Asara beginning to be able to use his mobile phone.
Statement by Dr. Richard Kilenga
"Asara's full recovery is a gradual thing and I am glad that there is an NGO standing with him."
Asara Donald says
"Hello my name is Asara Donald, I was involved in a very serious Accident in Terego district in August, 2026. I am really so glad because when I got this accident, CRESS Africa Foundation together with its partner CRESS UK have been behind me in terms of meeting all the expenses starting right from Pioneer Medical Center, Arua, to Arua Regional Referral Hospital up to Mulago National Referral Hospital. This is so unbelievable to me. I have worked with so many local and International Organizations but what CRESS Africa and CRESSUK does does not exist in all the previous INGOs and National NGOs I have previously worked with. With the previous NGOs I have worked with, they only give you the Insurance cover and afterwards nobody cares. But here is CRESS, they care for everything and also send me the Health Program Officer to follow my medical prognosis including other colleague staff right from Arua up to Mulago National Referral Hospital and now in Bukoto, Kampala where I currently live with my sister. Honestly this is a very unique NGO but these visits are so healing more than other forms of support and I pray that this does not really end with me but rather let this support apply to all. However, I really do not want any other staff to go through my current experience. I am so thankful to the Almighty God and all those who supported me in various ways. I am steadily recovering. Your prayers are honestly working on me day by day."
From the Family
"We as the family of Asara Donald would like to say a big thank you to CRESS Africa Foundation for this wonderful support towards our son's treatment right from Arua. You gave us hope when we were so hopeless in Arua and Kampala by meeting all the necessary expenses for Asara. We really admire this NGO. We cannot thank you enough but may God open you more funding opportunities to fill the space of the funds spent on our son's treatment and more."
Photo: Asara with this family and Lulu at his sisters home in Kampala.
