By Kabuye Ronald
Government has encouraged youths with disabilities across Uganda to take advantage of existing political, social and economic empowerment programmes to improve their livelihoods and actively participate in national development.
Speaking at the closing of a three-day Youth Leaders Training for Youths with Disabilities (YWDs) held in Kawuku Organised by Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association Uganda SHAU, Agnes Nampeera Bulega, the Principal Rehabilitation Officer at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, said the government has put in place policies, laws and strategies to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and promote their full participation in society.
Nampeera urged youths with disabilities to form associations and Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) to enable them access the National Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities, which provides funding for income-generating activities.
She also encouraged them to benefit from other government initiatives such as the Youth Livelihood Programme, Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) and the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Agnes Nampeera Bulega, the Principal Rehabilitation Officer at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development
“As government, we continue to develop policies, laws and strategies to ensure the lives of persons with disabilities are enhanced, their rights protected and their participation promoted,” Nampeera said.
She further encouraged youths with disabilities to enroll in vocational training institutions specifically established for them, including centres in Kireka (Kira Municipality), Lweza (Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality), Mpumudde (Jinja District), Ochopo (Arua) and Luti (Mbarara). These institutions admit youths aged between 15 and 35 years, regardless of whether they have formal education or not.
Nampeera applauded the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association Uganda (SHAU) for complementing government efforts by equipping youths with practical and leadership skills.
“We are happy that where government is unable to reach everyone with training, partners like SHAU step in to provide skills that empower young people. Self-esteem begins with self-appreciation. Once empowered socially, you can participate economically and politically. Youths with disabilities should not shy away from opportunities available through government programmes,” she said.
She also challenged beneficiaries of the training to share the knowledge acquired with fellow youths in their communities.
The three-day leadership retreat was organized by SHAU to strengthen the leadership capacity of youths with disabilities through digital and soft skills training, including communication, resilience, self-awareness, self-advocacy and creative expression.
According to SHAU Patient Liaison Officer Ritah Nagujja, the training was organized to bridge the leadership gap among young persons with disabilities.
“We realized many youths with disabilities aspire to leadership positions but lack the empowerment and skills needed to compete effectively. This training equips them with knowledge to participate socially, economically and politically while advocating for the rights of other persons with disabilities,” Nagujja said.
She noted that the programme also equips participants with advocacy skills to enable them engage decision-makers and influence policies affecting persons with disabilities.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Household Survey on Disability conducted in 2016, Uganda had an estimated 4.6 million persons with disabilities, representing about 12.4 percent of the country’s population. The 2017 Functional Disability Survey placed disability prevalence at 16.5 percent among adults, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Youths with disabilities continue to face barriers including limited access to healthcare, education, leadership opportunities and widespread stigma, discrimination and social exclusion. These challenges are even greater for women and young persons with disabilities.
The training aligns with Uganda’s National Disability Policy, the National Development Plan IV, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), all of which promote inclusion and equal opportunities.
Participants said the retreat had transformed their outlook and strengthened their confidence to advocate for disability rights.
Abonyo Anna, Chairperson of SHAU’s National Youth Advisory Committee from Lira District, said the training changed her perception of disability.
“This retreat has taught me that disability is not a limitation but a platform for advocacy. I have learned to become a self-advocate, understand legal redress mechanisms and remain focused despite challenges. The greatest disability is not physical but the attitude we have,” she said.
Martin Okwera from Soroti District said the training enhanced his advocacy skills.
“I have been involved in advocacy before, but this training taught me the proper procedures. I now understand the importance of knowing the relevant laws, policies and decision-makers. It has also helped me discover my strengths and build confidence,” he said.
Asiimwe Merab from Kampala said the programme helped her embrace disability acceptance and leadership.
“I have learned about disability acceptance, advocacy, policies and laws that protect our rights. I now feel empowered to identify challenges affecting fellow persons with disabilities and lobby for solutions within my community,” she said.
Organizers expressed optimism that the newly trained youth leaders will become ambassadors for disability inclusion and contribute to building more inclusive communities across Uganda.
