Effectiveness of artificial limbs as a strategy to improve performance of amputated soldiers in Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces

Abstract

For over the last 20 years the number of amputated soldiers has continued to increase Within the forces in the Great Lakes Region. This has tremendously affected the performance of the amputated soldiers within the UPDF. The study assessed the effectiveness of artificial limbs as a strategy to improve the performance of amputated soldiers in UPDF. The performance of UPDF soldiers with artificial limbs and the stages of amputee rehabilitation were examined by reviewing different literature on the matter. The study adopted a comprehensive analysis framework based on the contextual analysis to analyze the study in question and the findings reveal that artificial limbs are effective in improving performance of amputated soldiers by basically enabling mobility and acting as a motivating factor by helping them to carry out tasks normally like other soldiers. The findings revealed that artificial limbs are an effective strategy for improving performance among amputated soldiers within the UPDF. Their effectiveness is dependent on some factors such as technology, access and how they are fixed The research recommended that there is need for the government of Uganda, Ministry of Defense and Security, NGOs and development partners to focus greater attention on amputated soldiers and raise resources to enable these soldiers to acquire artificial limbs. There is need to carry out careful monitoring of all operation areas as well as UPDF rehabilitation centers to ascertain and establish the need of the soldiers who require artificial limbs. Access of artificial limbs by amputated soldiers need to be given a priority because such soldiers are very experienced and helpful to the UPDF. There is need for the future, research on amputation and boosting of performance of amputated soldiers within the UPDF.