The Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Asamo Hellen Grace, has called on financial institutions across the country to strengthen and prioritise strategies that promote the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the financial sector, noting that equal access to financial services is a fundamental right for every citizen.
Speaking at the 5th National Disability Symposium, one of the key activities ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Asamo revealed that her ministry continues to receive numerous complaints from PWDs who face challenges in accessing loans, using banking facilities, and obtaining essential financial services.
“We must create systems that provide fairness and dignity. Persons with disabilities deserve the same financial opportunities as every Ugandan,” Asamo said while officiating the event.
Uganda is estimated to have more than 1.3 million persons living with disabilities. Despite this significant population, many still grapple with barriers such as financial exclusion, limited employment opportunities, and restricted access to microcredit services, all of which hinder their socio-economic advancement.
Held under the theme “Financial Inclusion: A Key to Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities,” the symposium focused on the role of inclusive financial systems in fostering economic participation and social equality for PWDs.
Representatives from various financial institutions who attended the symposium shared ongoing initiatives aimed at improving accessibility and inclusivity for persons with disabilities.
Some highlighted progress made, while others acknowledged the need for stronger commitment and structural reforms.
However, stakeholders noted persistent gaps, particularly limited research and inadequate funding dedicated to disability-inclusive financial planning.
These challenges, they said, continue to hamper effective policy development and implementation.
This year’s events build up to the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which will be celebrated on 3rd December in Mubende District under the global theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
The symposium concluded with a renewed call for collaboration among government agencies, financial service providers, and development partners to ensure that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into Uganda’s economic landscape.