Uganda to Commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Kumi District

*By John Kusolo*

The Government of Uganda, in partnership with various stakeholders, is set to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3, 2024, at Boma Grounds in Kumi District. The event will be presided over by His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, under the national theme: “Improved Household Incomes; for the Wellbeing of Persons with Disabilities.”

This year’s celebrations will emphasize the critical role of economic empowerment and inclusive employment in enhancing the livelihoods of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) while reducing inequality across the country.

*The Significance of IDPD*

Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on October 14, 1992, and first observed on December 3, 1992, the IDPD serves as a platform to recognize the contributions of PWDs to national development. It also raises awareness about promoting equality, inclusion, and participation of PWDs in all facets of social and economic life.

Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Hon. Asamo Hellen Grace, expressed the Government’s commitment to enhancing the rights and well-being of PWDs in Uganda. She highlighted the need to bridge the gap created by functional limitations, ensuring every Ugandan, regardless of disability, can thrive.

*Disability Statistics in Uganda*

The 2014 Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Census Report indicated a 12.4% prevalence rate of disability in the country. UBOS plans to undertake a disability functional difficulties survey to harmonize information on PWD numbers in the 2024 census.

The Persons with Disabilities Act (2020) recognizes eight categories of disabilities, including:

Physical disabilities,

Hearing disabilities, Visual disabilities, Deaf-blind disabilities, Mental disabilities, Little people, Albinism, and Multiple disabilities.

*Progress and Achievements*

1. *Economic Empowerment*

The Government has prioritized wealth creation programs for PWDs, such as the Special Grant for PWDs. Since 2019, the initiative has supported 7,422 enterprise groups comprising 55,799 households, with UGX 36 billion disbursed. Additionally, the Parish Development Model (PDM) has allocated 10% of parish funds to PWDs, while the Emyooga program provides UGX 30 million per constituency for PWD SACCOs.

2. *Education*

The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) allocates UGX 3.67 billion annually to special needs education. This supports capacity building for 240 teachers in specialized skills, scholarships for 64 PWD students annually, and vocational training at five rehabilitation centers.

3. *Health and Disability Inclusion*

The Ministry of Health now incorporates sign language interpreters up to Health Center III level. Rehabilitation surgeries have expanded to all Regional Referral Hospitals, improving access for children with disabilities.

4. *Information Accessibility*

Disability-inclusive reforms include brailing the Constitution, sign language interpretation in media broadcasts, and drafting Disability Inclusion Rules for courts of law.

5. *Policy Framework*

Legal protections include the Constitution, the Persons with Disabilities Act (2020), and the Mental Health Act (2019). Uganda has also ratified international protocols, such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Marrakesh Treaty.

*Challenges and the Way Forward*

Despite the achievements, poverty and inequality remain significant challenges for PWDs. Minister Asamo emphasized the need for affirmative action grants to address the unique barriers faced by PWDs. She outlined several focus areas:

Increasing PWD access to PDM funds from 2% to 5%.

Introducing a National Disability Grant for individuals with severe functional limitations.

Enhancing orthopedic services in regional hospitals.

Designing a Child Disability Grant to support families with children with severe disabilities.

*Activities for the Day*

The commemorations will feature a National Disability Symposium, health camps offering disability assessments and assistive devices, medical services, media engagements, and exhibitions. These activities aim to raise the visibility of disability issues and foster greater inclusion at all levels of society.

*Call to Action*

Hon. Asamo called on Ugandans to actively participate in the celebrations in Kumi District and to support PWDs in their communities. “We must ensure that the issues of Persons with Disabilities are prioritized at all stages of development,” she stated.

As Uganda joins the global community in commemorating the IDPD, the focus remains on empowering PWDs to contribute meaningfully to national development while living dignified and fulfilling lives.