As Uganda marks the Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3RD December State Minister for Diability Affairs Hon Hellen Asamo has re-affirmed government commitment to ensuring that Persons with Disabilities are supported to live with dignity, respect, inclusion, and economic security,
“The Government of Uganda remains committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination, neglect, and violence against Persons with Disabilities, as provided for under Article 35 of the Constitution, the Persons with Disabilities Act (2020), and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,”Asamo stated while addressing the media In Kampala.
According the Minister Uganda will join the rest of the global community to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on 3rd December 2025 at Uganda National Institute of Teachers Education (UNITE), Mubende Campus.
Hon Asamo Hellen says this year’s commemoration will be themed “Wealth Creation Programmes: A Key to Socio-Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities” reinforces the vital message that economic inclusion is central to breaking cycles of poverty, enhancing independence, and strengthening the dignity of Persons with Disabilities.
It is the day for raising awareness and addressing the needs and concerns on disability inclusion, highlight achievements made throughout the year, identify persistent gaps, and collectively map out interventions to advance the dignity, participation, and well-being of Persons with Disabilities.
According to the National Household Population Census Report, (UBOS 2024) indicated that disability prevalence in Uganda stands at 13.6%, representing approximately 6.9 million persons with disabilities. This demographic underscores the importance of disability responsive policies, inclusive services, and targeted interventions.
Minister said across the globe, Persons with Disabilities continue to make significant contributions as workers, innovators, parents, leaders, and entrepreneurs. However, many continue to face barriers including stigma, discrimination, inaccessibility, limited education and employment opportunities, and inadequate access to financial services.
“These challenges undermine participation in the money economy and restrict Persons with Disabilities from benefiting fully from national development initiatives. It is therefore critical that all wealth creation programmes both affirmative and mainstream actively incorporate disability inclusion measures to ensure equitable access and participation,”she stated.
Highlighting ugandas intervetnions,Asamo revealerd that Since FY 2019/2020, Government has disbursed UGX 42.5 billion to 8,739 groups, directly benefiting 65,272 households of Persons with Disabilities. Many beneficiaries have invested in enterprises such as poultry, goat rearing, tailoring, small scale agriculture, and trade. Notably, 83% of beneficiaries can now meet basic needs including health care, food security, and school fees.
She noted that Government has earmarked 10% of the PDM revolving fund in each parish for Persons with Disabilities. “Additionally, each Persons with Disabilities beneficiary receives a UGX 500,000 top-up to cater for reasonable accommodation needs when undertaking enterprise activities,”Asamo explianed.
She commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for his continued leadership and unwavering support towards disability inclusion and empowerment.
“As we approach the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I call upon all Ugandans to embrace compassion, strengthen accountability, and promote meaningful participation of Persons with Disabilities in all development efforts<”she stressed.