Uganda will on 3rd December 2025 join the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). The day, first declared by the UN in 1992, is a moment to reflect on the rights, challenges and achievements of Persons with Disabilities, and to renew commitment to their inclusion in national development.
Speaking ahead of the national celebrations, Hon. Asamo Hellen Grace, Minister of State for Disability Affairs, said the Day remains an important reminder that disability inclusion is a national responsibility.
“It is a day to raise awareness, address concerns, highlight achievements, and map out what we must do to advance the dignity and participation of Persons with Disabilities,” she said.
This year’s theme — “Wealth Creation Programmes: A Key to Socio-Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities” — underscores the link between economic inclusion and independence.
According to the 2024 UBOS Census, disability prevalence in Uganda stands at 13.6%, representing at least 6.9 million Ugandans. Hon. Asamo noted that while Persons with Disabilities play vital roles as parents, innovators, workers and entrepreneurs, many still face barriers ranging from stigma and discrimination to limited access to education, employment and financial services.
“These challenges limit participation in the money economy and prevent many from benefiting fully from development programmes,” she added.
Government Efforts to Boost Economic Inclusion
The Minister highlighted several programmes designed to support Persons with Disabilities:
1. National Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities
Since FY 2019/20, government has released UGX 42.5 billion to 8,739 groups, directly supporting 65,272 households. Many recipients have invested in small enterprises such as poultry, tailoring, goat rearing and trade.
The Ministry reports that 83% of beneficiaries can now meet basic needs like healthcare, food and school fees.
2. Parish Development Model (PDM)
Government has reserved 10% of each parish revolving fund for Persons with Disabilities. Beneficiaries also receive a UGX 500,000 top-up to support reasonable accommodation during enterprise activities.
3. Vocational Rehabilitation
Uganda runs five Vocational Rehabilitation Centres and a Sheltered Workshop. Since 2022, 780 trainees with disabilities have been certified and given start-up kits to begin income-generating work.
4. Financial Inclusion
UBOS data shows 45.1% of Persons with Disabilities are now able to save money — a sign of growing participation in the money economy.
5. Improvements in Services
These include:
Standardizing Uganda Sign Language
Expanding surgical and rehabilitative services to Jinja and Mbarara
Developing the National Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Strategic Plan (2025–2030)
Remaining Gaps
Despite progress, participation of Persons with Disabilities in mainstream programmes remains low:
Only 0.4% benefited from YLP
0.9% from NAADS
0.4% from OWC and Emyooga
0.5% of women with disabilities accessed UWEP
The Minister attributed these gaps to negative attitudes, limited financial literacy, inaccessible programme facilities and insufficient disability-friendly communication.
What to Expect on 3rd December 2025
This year’s national celebrations will be held at Uganda National Institute of Teacher Education (UNITE), Mubende Campus, where President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to preside.
Key outcomes expected include:
Increased awareness on disability inclusion and prevention
Launch of the National Anthem for Persons with Disabilities
Launch of the PDM top-up guidelines
A national review meeting on the Special Grant for PWDs
Exhibitions, a health camp, a PWD march and speeches
A Call to the Nation
Hon. Asamo expressed appreciation to the President for what she called “continued leadership and unwavering support” towards disability inclusion.
She urged Ugandans to embrace compassion, accountability and full participation of Persons with Disabilities in every development effort.
“As we approach the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I call upon all Ugandans to stand together, support inclusion, and follow the celebrations across media.”
