Stakeholders in the disability rights movement have urged government, private sector actors and development partners to prioritise financial inclusion for persons with disabilities (PWDs), describing it as a right rather than an act of charity.
This call was made during the 5th Annual Disability Symposium held at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala on Monday, ahead of the National Disability Day celebrations scheduled for December 3 in Mubende.
Speaking at the symposium, Dorothy Najjengo, the Incubators and Accelerators Process Lead at Outbox Uganda, said the country must rethink how it integrates PWDs into the economy, especially within the digital and financial sectors.
“We are joining the Ministry of Gender to commemorate the 5th Annual Disability Inclusion Day in respect to the International Disability Day,” Najjengo said. “Under the 10X Programme, we want to ensure that 125,000 persons with disabilities are fully participating within the digital economy.”
She noted that the programme is still in its pilot phase, targeting 61,000 people over three years, with at least 1,700 participants expected to be persons with disabilities.
However, she said meaningful participation remains hampered by structural barriers.
“Accessibility is the main issue,” Najjengo explained. “If you are pushing out an intervention around access to finance, a person with disability must be able to access it. That means providing reasonable accommodation—whether through TalkBack, JAWS or Braille—to ensure people with visual or other impairments can participate.”
Pamela Kabahesi, the Country Lead at BrighterMonday Uganda, echoed the same message, stressing that disability inclusion should be anchored in rights, not goodwill.
“Today we are discussing financial inclusion and economic empowerment for people with disabilities ahead of the national celebration in Mubende,” she said. “Whereas we have success stories of people with disabilities who have beaten the odds, there is still a lot of work to be done.”
Kabahesi highlighted a widespread misconception among institutions.
“We have heard today that many organisations still treat disability inclusion as charity,” she said. “It is not charity. Persons with disabilities have a right to access financial services and economic opportunities just like any other Ugandan.”
The symposium was officially opened by the Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, who underscored the importance of strengthening financial systems to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities.
“This theme amplifies awareness about the importance of having finances to cater for people with disabilities and their diverse needs,” she said. “It also encourages stakeholders to discuss how best we can support PWDs.”
Hon. Asamo also applauded partners who continue to champion inclusion, singling out BrighterMonday for its financial support towards the event.
The symposium concluded with awards recognising organisations advancing disability inclusion.
BrighterMonday Uganda received the award for excellence in the Business and Entrepreneurship category for its role in promoting workplace accessibility and inclusive employment pathways.
The discussions at the symposium set the tone for national celebrations on December 3, with stakeholders reaffirming that financial inclusion is essential for the socio-economic empowerment of persons with disabilities — and central to achieving equality.