Johnson Mayamba
On December 3 each year, the world marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day set aside to raise awareness about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs) and to celebrate their contributions to society. The day also serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to ensure equality and inclusion for this marginalized group. The global theme for this year is 'Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future’.
In Uganda, despite notable progress, PWDs continue to face systemic barriers that limit their participation in social, economic, and political life. The most recent census and a series of reports highlight a troubling reality that while the government has made some strides, PWDs in Uganda still struggle to access the opportunities and rights that should be theirs by default.
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics raised our eyebrows when it admitted erroneous data regarding the number of PWDs in the country. According to PWD advocacy groups, the census results misrepresented the actual number of PWDs, significantly underreporting their presence and, by extension, their needs. This distortion of data not only downplays the scale of the issue but also risks further marginalising a group that already faces limited visibility and inadequate access to services. The credibility of national data is essential in formulating inclusive policies, and when this data is flawed, it hampers any effort to address the true scope of the challenges.
The lack of accurate statistics is just one of the barriers that PWDs face in Uganda. It is also critical to examine why many remain trapped in cycles of poverty. They are disproportionately affected, often excluded from both formal employment and informal economic activities. The reasons are manifold, but one of the most significant is a lack of access to skills training, as well as workplace discrimination. Many businesses are reluctant to hire PWDs, and those that do often fail to provide necessary accommodations to enable the effective performance of their duties.
The Special Grant for PWDs, aimed at improving the community's welfare, has been hailed as a step in the right direction. However, reports suggest that the funds allocated often do not reach the intended beneficiaries, and when they do, they are not always sufficient. In some cases, PWDs report being excluded from these programmes due to lack of awareness or logistical challenges. The absence of accessible financial services leaves PWDs with limited opportunities to start or sustain small businesses, further entrenching their economic marginalisation.
Furthermore, the broader policy environment in Uganda continues to marginalise PWDs. Despite legislative frameworks that call for their inclusion in various sectors, PWDs remain largely absent from decision-making spaces. There is a glaring lack of representation in local government, national leadership, and even within civil society organisations that claim to advocate for marginalised groups.
This exclusion perpetuates the perception that PWDs are an afterthought rather than integral members of society whose needs and contributions are equally valid. One of the key issues raised by PWDs themselves is the need for inclusive policy reforms. In Uganda, many policies still fail to take into account the diverse needs of this community.
For instance, public infrastructure remains largely inaccessible to people with mobility impairments, and educational institutions often lack the resources or the awareness to support students with different disabilities.
This exclusion is particularly problematic because education and mobility are often key enablers of empowerment and independence for PWDs. Without these basic building blocks, many PWDs face an uphill battle when it comes to employment and social inclusion.
To address these challenges, there must be a comprehensive shift in policy and practice. Uganda must invest in accessible infrastructure, inclusive education, and employment opportunities for PWDs. More importantly, PWDs must be seen as active participants in shaping the policies that affect them. Their voices should be central to the conversation on national development and inclusivity. Only by ensuring that PWDs are fully integrated into society, economically and socially, can Uganda achieve true national prosperity.
As we observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities this year, let us remember that inclusion is not a favour, it is a fundamental right. It is time for Uganda to not only celebrate the achievements of PWDs but to take bold, tangible steps to dismantle the barriers that still limit their potential. Only then can the country claim to be truly inclusive, progressive, and just.
Mr Johnson Mayamba is a journalist.
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