Uganda is making significant strides in promoting disability inclusion in social protection programs, emphasizing the empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) through targeted interventions and leadership representation.
Speaking during a talk show on “Promoting Disability Inclusion in Social Protection,” hosted by NBS Television on Sunday, Prosper Muhumuza, Commissioner for Disability and Elderly Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, highlighted the growing need to support persons with disabilities across the country.
“A person with disability is someone who has a permanent and substantial functional limitation,” Muhumuza explained, noting that disability affects a significant portion of Uganda’s population. According to the 2024 census report, 13.2% of Ugandans – close to six million people – live with some form of disability, a rise from the 12.4% recorded in the previous census.
Muhumuza attributed the increase to population growth and the emergence of new disabling conditions.
“When population growth increases, the number of people living with disabilities also rises. Additionally, we are seeing many new and emerging disabling conditions coming on board,” he said.
Highlighting Uganda’s leadership in disability inclusion, Muhumuza noted that the country is a pioneer in ensuring that persons with disabilities have representation at all levels of governance.
“From LC1 to Parliament, Uganda is one of the few countries that have representatives of persons with disabilities at all levels,” he said.
Muhumuza also emphasized the unique challenges faced by children with disabilities in accessing education.
“If a child without disabilities can face challenges in education, it means the challenges are even greater for a child with a disability,” Muhumuza said.
Focusing on economic empowerment, Muhumuza reflected on the government’s efforts to improve household incomes for PWDs.
“Last year, our theme was improved household income. This year, we felt that we had not fully explored this theme. We believe that when you empower persons with disabilities with income, you significantly reduce the barriers that prevent them from participating in community programs,” he said.