By Jumah Kakomo
In a groundbreaking initiative led by the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, young individuals with disabilities have spearheaded a transformative research program aimed at fostering inclusivity in academic and professional spheres. Supported by funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council / United Kingdom Research and Innovation, the project, titled ‘Disabled Youth Investigates: a co-creative research program,’ tackled the pervasive underrepresentation of youth with disabilities in research across low and middle-income countries.
The collaborative effort brought together expertise from the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, London School of Hygiene Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit, Makerere University’s Child Health and Development Centre, THRU Zim health unit in Zimbabwe, and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).
Recognizing that 12.4% of Uganda’s population lives with a disability, the project introduced an innovative peer-to-peer support model tailored for inclusive research training. Over six months, fourteen youths between the ages of 18 and 30 underwent intensive training, mentoring, and internships. Working alongside peers without disabilities, they conducted research on social participation and engagement among youth, contributing significantly to knowledge exchange at national and international levels.
The initiative not only empowered these young researchers but also facilitated their integration into professional settings. Six participants secured employment at the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit and elsewhere, marking a milestone in promoting affirmative action for persons with disabilities in the workforce.
Participant feedback highlighted the project’s profound impact on personal and professional growth. Ronald Kamusiime, a researcher with a visual impairment, emphasized the role of mentorship in shaping his career and outlook on life. He remarked, “This project gave us the opportunity to work alongside our mentors, profoundly influencing our development.”
The youth researchers presented their findings at prestigious events such as Makerere University Disability Day and the African Network for Action in Disability (AfriNEAD) conference in Cape Town, as well as international platforms like the FriendsF4R event in the United Kingdom. Their participatory film and social media campaigns further amplified the importance of inclusive research practices, advocating for greater recognition of persons with disabilities in academic and societal contexts.
Dr. Femke Bannink Mbazzi, Principal Investigator of the study and Head of the Disability Research Group at the Unit, underscored the project’s broader impact on changing perceptions about disability inclusion. She remarked, “In this project, we have not only built capacity but also shifted paradigms in how we approach disability inclusion in research.”
Professor Moffat Nyirenda, Director of the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, praised the initiative for enriching their research environment and enhancing inclusivity both locally and globally. Dr. Herbert Muyinda, Co-Investigator and Head of the Child Health and Development Centre at Makerere University, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the project’s role in advancing inclusive research practices and challenging stereotypes.
For those interested in exploring the project’s findings and outputs, including the participatory film, further information is available on the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit’s website, promoting transparency and accessibility in disability research initiatives.
