A three-day training event in Uganda has brought together stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and organisations of persons with disabilities to strengthen practical skills for disability inclusion throughout the health research process.
The initiative aims to ensure that persons with disabilities are not only participants but active partners and leaders in research.
The first two days focused on hands-on training, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to design and conduct studies that meaningfully involve persons with disabilities.
Sessions emphasized accessible research environments, ethical practices, and inclusive team structures. Through group work, case studies, and testimonies from people with lived experience, participants explored how to embed inclusion at every stage of research.
Discussions also addressed critical issues such as consent, ethics, policy, and the urgent need to shift toward equitable health research systems. Globally, over one billion people live with disabilities, yet many face severe health inequities, including limited access to services, poorer outcomes, and exclusion from research and decision-making.
The Disability Research Group (DRG), established six years ago, works to improve health, development, and wellbeing for persons with disabilities across East Africa. Dr. Femke Bannink Mbazzi, Head of DRG, described the training as bridging the gap between intentions and practical implementation of disability-inclusive research.
“Our work aims to close the gap between intention and practice by building capacity in Uganda and across East Africa,” she said.
Professor Tom Shakespeare, Co-Director of the International Centre for Evidence in Disability (ICED) at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, highlighted the importance of empowering persons with disabilities to lead research.
“Equipping people with disabilities to actively participate and lead research challenges the idea that only non-disabled researchers can determine how disability and health should be studied,” he said.
Participants described the training as both practical and transformative.
Geofrey Musanje, a pharmacist at Nakaseke General Hospital and Secretary for Persons with Disabilities at the National Organisation of Trade Unions, said,
“Being in one room with people with different disabilities has been a powerful learning experience. Learning sign language has been empowering, and I look forward to applying these skills in my workplace to foster a more inclusive environment.”
The third day featured a disability research seminar and open day, giving participants the opportunity to share insights with policymakers, partners, and the public.
Exhibitions showcased assistive technologies and demonstrations of accommodations that support researchers with disabilities.
Prof. Moffat Nyirenda, Unit Director, reaffirmed the organisation’s 35-year commitment to equitable health research.
“True progress in health research depends on inclusion, ensuring everyone is seen, heard, and represented. This Open Day highlights our work and strengthens partnerships that make research more inclusive,” he said.
Dr. Arnold Kabbale, Health Advisor at the British High Commission, emphasized that disability inclusion must remain central to strengthening health systems.
“Equity means ensuring all people, including those with disabilities, can access and benefit from health research and interventions,” he said.
Dr. Ochorin Jimmy, representing the Ministry of Health, commended the DRG’s alignment with national goals.
He revealed that Uganda is finalizing its first strategic plan for disability rehabilitation and assistive technology, which emphasizes early identification, management, and rehabilitation while ensuring inclusive health research and services go hand in hand.
The event also highlighted collaborations between DRG, the Programme for Evidence to Inform Disability Action (PENDA), and the Disability Inclusive Youth (DIY) projects.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), PENDA strengthens evidence and tools to support the wellbeing of persons with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries.
The Wellcome-funded DIY programme empowers children and youth with disabilities to participate in and co-create health research across East Africa, with youth co-facilitating sessions and leading awareness activities.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate Uganda’s growing shift toward inclusive and equitable research systems—where persons with disabilities are not only consulted but are central voices shaping the country’s health research agenda.