Uganda joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, highlighting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s commitment to social protection programs for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Vice President Jessica Alupo presided over the national commemoration of the event on Tuesday December 03, 2024, in Kumi District under the theme “Improved Household Income for the Well-being of Persons with Disabilities.”
The event convened national government, civil society, and local community stakeholders to evaluate progress and develop a roadmap for empowering people with disabilities (PWDs), emphasizing the government’s Expanding Social Protection (ESP) Programme, Senior Citizens Grant, Community Engagement, and Capacity Building.
Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, gave an overview of the government’s initiatives aimed at improving the lives of PWDs.
She said “among these are the inclusion of disability-focused programs under the Parish Development Model (PDM) and enhanced access to education through special-needs schools,” emphasizing the need to address the root causes of disability in Uganda, including preventable illnesses, inadequate maternal healthcare, and accidents.
The NRM Manifesto 2021-2026 outlines goals for improving PWD welfare, including increasing accessibility to public services and infrastructure, promoting awareness campaigns challenging societal stigmas, and fostering inclusive education systems.
The NRM government also aims to create a more inclusive society where everyone can contribute to a sustainable future.
