Richard Ochira, 24 years old, began his journey as a wheelchair basketball player in early 2013 when adaptive sports were introduced in Gulu as a recreational activity for victims of war. Coming from a very poor family background where academic progress was challenging, Richard chose to pursue sports as a career. Through his dedication and hard work, he joined the Uganda wheelchair basketball club in 2018. He has represented Uganda at the East African Games and participated in the African Paralympic Games in 2023.
With his determination, Richard was also given the opportunity to compete in wheelchair racing in 2021, which came with the provision of a racing wheelchair. Currently, he is the only para-athlete representing Uganda on international stages. He has traveled to several countries outside Uganda, including Ghana, Morocco, South Africa, Germany, Dubai, and is set to compete in India this year . Richard is the captain of the Uganda wheelchair basketball team.
His story exemplifies how sports can empower and build the capacity of individuals who may have lost hope due to the stigma and discrimination they face because of their disabilities.