Katalemwa Cheshire Home was founded in Uganda in 1970 and officially opened in 1971, with the aim of providing a family home environment to people who were incurably sick or with physical disabilities. This was significant, as at the time, institutional rehabilitation was the only option for people with disabilities
Captain Leonard Cheshire came in person to Kampala to make a plan for reconstructing the home following the 20 difficult years that had left it in ruins. With the assistance and support of several groups including the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, the home began to function once again.
KCH changed its emphasis from long-term residential care for adults to short-term rehabilitation for children with physical disabilities. Since then, KCH’s core mandate has been to rehabilitate children between the ages of 0-18 years and to offer support to their families develop potential to address the underlying causes and challenges of disability.
The National Council of Cheshire Homes was formed to coordinate activities of all the Cheshire Homes in Uganda. Katalemwa therefore ceased to have responsibility for the other homes and started increasing rehabilitation services both at the centre and in the communities through collaborations and partnerships
The home was officially named Katalemwa Cheshire Home for Rehabilitation Services.