The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development (MGLSD) is seeking Shs8.2 billion in funding to provide a special needs grant for families caring for children with severe and multiple disabilities.
This initiative aims to address the immense financial and emotional challenges faced by caregivers, whose children require continuous support due to their complex needs.
Agnes Kunihira, chairperson of Parliament's Committee on Gender, stressed the insufficiency of the current one-off disability grants, noting the urgent need for consistent monthly support.
"Children with severe and multiple disabilities cannot be adequately helped through one-off grants. These families face misery due to exorbitant maintenance costs and need monthly cash transfers. The required Shs8.2 billion remains unfunded in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework," she explained.
A survey conducted by the Ministry of Gender identified approximately 12,774 families in dire need of support, many of whom are unable to send their children to school due to the severity of their disabilities.
Laura Kanushu, a Member of Parliament and advocate for persons with disabilities, highlighted the hardships faced by caregivers, particularly mothers.
"Caring for these children is a full-time job. They require essentials like pampers and catheters that these families cannot afford. The severe disabilities grant would provide monthly relief directly to these households," Kanushu said.
The grant, if approved, would ease the burden on caregivers, many of whom have had to leave their jobs to focus on caregiving. It would also contribute to improving the quality of life for children with severe disabilities.
The proposal is now in the hands of the government, with advocates and families hoping it will prioritize closing the Shs8.2 billion funding gap.
Approval of the grant would mark a critical step in alleviating the struggles faced by families raising children with profound disabilities.
