Plight of Persons with Disabilities in Mbarara City
Mbarara City is home to more than 600 persons with disabilities (PWDs), many of whom face persistent challenges in their daily lives.
Disabilities in the city arise from various causes, including congenital conditions, illnesses, and the increasing number of accidents.
According to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, the hospital records over 30 accident cases monthly, further exacerbating these statistics.
On the occasion of World Disability Day, a visit to the city’s suburbs highlighted the stories of resilience among PWDs.
One such story is that of Asiimwe Julius, commonly referred to as “Celeb” or “Butcher Man.” Asiimwe, an enterprising individual, has defied the odds despite enduring a tough journey.
Born disabled in Ibanda District, Asiimwe lost his parents at the age of five, forcing him to resort to street begging in Mbarara. He recalls the misery of that life.
“While on the streets, I was limited because I was lame. I spent nights hungry and homeless. Sometimes I was supported by others as we begged, but I hated all this,” Asiimwe lamented.
At the age of 13, he was rescued by Apostle Willy Tumwine, who offered him shelter and guidance. Determined to turn his life around, Asiimwe started hawking shoes and snacks on the streets of Mbarara and at public events.
However, his entrepreneurial journey has not been without setbacks. Recently, thieves stole his stock and capital, leaving him struggling to restart his business.
“They stole all my stock and money, and this is all I am left with. I can’t just get back to the street with only this,” he shared in frustration.
Asiimwe also pursues music but faces significant discrimination in the industry. Despite these challenges, he remains determined, though raising rent and restocking his business are constant struggles.
The lack of accessible infrastructure exacerbates the struggles of PWDs in Mbarara.
Julius Tumwesigye, chairman for PWDs in Nyamityobora, highlighted how poorly designed city facilities marginalize disabled individuals.
“The roads and paths to most buildings in our city are not favorable to the disabled. When you want to buy anything from the shop, you can’t cross the raised verandahs. You have to send someone,” he explained.
He added that even the Mbarara City Council building lacks ramps, preventing disabled leaders from attending meetings.
Efforts to improve accessibility, such as introducing ramps at the central market’s main entrance, have faced resistance. “Passing through the parking lot into the market is inconvenient,” Tumwesigye noted.
The high cost of assistive devices like wheelchairs and crutches further limits mobility for many PWDs.
Although government programs such as the Local Special Grant, Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model (PDM) aim to support PWDs, accessing these funds remains a significant challenge.
City councillor for PWDs, Tuhame Enoth, acknowledged difficulties in identifying beneficiaries: “The problem maybe is that they are not in groups. With this, identifying an individual in need of these benefits becomes difficult,” he explained.
Tuhame also pointed out cases where able-bodied individuals infiltrate PWD groups to divert resources.
Advocacy efforts for better infrastructure have also been slow to materialize. Tuhame assured:
“We have been advocating for a ramp, or a lift, or for the biggest offices of the town clerk and mayor to move to the ground level, but it has not yet been done. However, it will be put in the budget.”
For individuals like Asiimwe, the lack of meaningful support and systemic exclusion underscores the urgent need for action.
Prossy Kansime, a neighbour, described Asiimwe as hardworking and cooperative—qualities mirrored by many PWDs in Mbarara striving to overcome adversity.
To transform Mbarara into an inclusive city, there must be deliberate efforts to address accessibility challenges, make assistive devices affordable, and improve the delivery of support programmes.
Only then can the city’s PWDs live with dignity and equality.
