“Physiotherapy should be the first point of care for pain management,” he said. “Early treatment prevents small problems from becoming chronic conditions that affect quality of life.”
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Residents of Mukono have received a major boost in healthcare services following the launch of a new physiotherapy centre at Colline Hotel, aimed at offering affordable, non-invasive, and drug-free treatment closer to the community.
The facility, equipped with modern rehabilitation machines and staffed by trained professionals, is expected to reduce the need for patients to travel to Kampala for specialized physiotherapy services. It targets a wide range of conditions, including back and neck pain, stroke recovery, sports injuries, and mobility challenges.
According to Aheebwa Melvin, a qualified physiotherapist and dry needling specialist, the centre focuses on restoring function without relying on medication.
“Physiotherapy is a field of medicine where we do not use drugs,” Melvin explained during the launch. “We rely on machines, manual therapy, and targeted exercises to treat conditions like back pain, stroke complications, frozen shoulders, limping gait, and even children with cerebral palsy.”
Dry needling, he added, is one of the specialized techniques used to release muscle trigger points, particularly for sports injuries and restricted movement.
Melvin noted that many patients in Uganda often seek physiotherapy as a last resort after extensive use of painkillers and repeated medical tests. He said the new centre seeks to change that mindset by encouraging early intervention.
“Physiotherapy should be the first point of care for pain management,” he said. “Early treatment prevents small problems from becoming chronic conditions that affect quality of life.”
He also warned against long-term reliance on pain medication, noting that it may lead to complications affecting vital organs such as the kidneys and liver.
The centre will also focus on rehabilitation for stroke survivors and children with cerebral palsy, with Melvin expressing optimism that consistent therapy can restore mobility and independence in many cases.
“For stroke patients, recovery is possible with regular sessions. Some regain the ability to walk within weeks,” he said.
The launch was spearheaded by Augustine Kasozi, Managing Director of Colline Hotel Mukono, who said the idea was inspired by his personal recovery experience.
“I suffered from sciatica and could not sit for even five minutes due to pain,” Kasozi said. “Physiotherapy helped me recover fully, and I felt compelled to bring this service closer to the people.”
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He assured residents that the services would remain affordable and accessible. The centre currently operates with two treatment rooms but plans to expand as demand grows.
Local health leaders have welcomed the development. Jeremiah Katongole, Director of Jericom Medical Center, said the facility will ease pressure on referrals to Kampala.
“We have been referring many patients to Kampala due to lack of physiotherapy services here. This centre will greatly help our community,” Katongole said.
The facility will offer treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, post-injury rehabilitation, posture correction, and pediatric care, alongside patient education on preventive health and proper body mechanics.
With its opening, Mukono joins efforts to decentralize specialized healthcare services and promote drug-free rehabilitation, giving residents improved access to long-term wellness solutions.
The Mukono Physiotherapy Centre at Colline Hotel is now open to the public along the Kampala–Jinja Highway in Mukono Town.
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