Libino Byamukama, Rubanda – People living with disabilities in Rubanda District have decried being left out of government programs, saying that the government has over time created wealth-creation programs that have ended up benefiting only corrupt authorities at the district level, not reaching the parish and village levels.
They said that due to their vulnerability, they have always faced mobility challenges limiting their access to places such as hospitals, worship centers, marketplaces, and others.
Rovinah Atuhaire, a 40-year-old who makes crafts in Rushekye A, Karengere Parish, Muko Sub-county in Rubanda District, says that she has never benefited from any government program, which has demotivated her from getting involved in other such programs. She accuses some leaders in the district of neglecting them in these important programs.
Atuhaire further demanded a ready market for her crafts. She lauded the GEP President for continuing to support her by buying her crafts.
The President and Founder of GEP, Evelyn Ninsiima Kikafunda, says that they have been working with local communities for over 15 years now, championing sustainable development and including every category of people.
Kikafunda further says that the government has provided good wealth-creation programs, though their impact is not strongly felt on the ground since the beneficiaries do not speak out.
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics Census Report (UBOS 2016) indicated that 12.4% of the Ugandan population lives with some form of disability, implying that approximately 4.5 million Ugandans are persons with disabilities, hence a development concern.
