Speaking at the official launch, NUDIPU Chairperson Esther Kyozira emphasised the organisation's broad reach and commitment to full representation.
“We have membership in 146 districts of Uganda and work with 17 national organisations of persons with disabilities,” Kyozira stated. “This program is designed to ensure that all categories of persons with disabilities are fully participating.”
The program will operate at both the national and district levels and focus specifically on two regions—Karamoja and West Nile. District-level implementation will be in Nebbi, Pakwach, Amudat, and Nabilatuk.
“We’re glad to have local government leaders already on board,” Kyozira said. “When we engage your districts, we shall request for your full support to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are realised and policies are put into action.”
At the national level, NUDIPU will collaborate with nearly all government ministries, given the cross-cutting nature of disability rights.
The program will focus on strengthening the implementation of key policies such as the Persons with Disabilities Act, the National Policy on Disability, and Uganda’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).
“We are going to engage a lot, especially around the existing legal frameworks and also on initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM),” Kyozira noted.
“In Uganda today, if you mention PDM, people say you get one million and you become but we must ensure persons with disabilities are not left behind.”
The program also recognises and seeks to address the marginalisation of specific groups within the disability community, including persons with albinism. Kyozira highlighted that in many regions like West Nile and Karamoja, persons with albinism are rarely identified or included in development efforts—despite facing serious health risks such as skin cancer.
“That’s why this program will also support mobilisation and identification, so they can benefit from advocacy and especially health-related interventions,” she explained.
Through platforms like the Directors Forum and partnerships with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), NUDIPU plans to sustain advocacy efforts throughout the program’s lifespan.
The initiative is already underway, with inception activities at district level completed. Kyozira called on local leaders to begin organising community members with disabilities so that the project can move into full implementation.
“This is a three-year program—we’re not going anywhere,” she assured. “We will keep updating you as we progress. Let’s work together to make Uganda inclusive for all.”
The launch was attended by representatives from local government, civil society, and members of the disability community—marking the beginning of a national journey towards true inclusion.