President Museveni: A notable champion of disability inclusion
According to the 2024 Population and Housing Census, approximately 5.5 million Ugandans live with disabilities, up from 4.4 million in 2014.
Yona Wasswa. (Courtesy)
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OPINION
By Yona Wasswa
While Uganda’s post-independence leadership has often been criticised for limited inclusion of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), significant strides in political, economic and social participation by PWDs have been recorded under President Yoweri Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.
One of the most recent milestones is the appointment of Joyce Acan Okeny as Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Disability Affairs. This development has been welcomed within the disability community as a positive step toward inclusive governance.
Beyond cabinet representation, there is continued optimism that PWDs who possess the required qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills will be further considered for appointment to key public positions, such as resident district commissioners, ambassadors, permanent secretaries and leadership roles in statutory bodies, commissions and authorities.
At the same time, ongoing government efforts to combat corruption have renewed hope among PWDs. In many instances, weaknesses in public service delivery, particularly in health, education and transport, disproportionately affect PWDs who often rely heavily on state services due to their socio-economic vulnerability.
According to the 2024 Population and Housing Census, approximately 5.5 million Ugandans live with disabilities, up from 4.4 million in 2014.
This represents about 13.2% of the national population, underscoring the need for sustained inclusion in national development planning.
Uganda has previously seen PWDs serving in key leadership positions, particularly in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, which oversees disability affairs. Notable past ministers include Florence Nakiwala Sekabira (Seventh Parliament) and Asamo Hellen Grace.
At local government level, persons with disabilities have also served as district chairpersons, speakers, and members of district executive committees, demonstrating growing, but still insufficient, representation across governance structures.
PWDS statistics
Despite these gains, Uganda still has a large pool of talent within the disability community. It is estimated that over 2,000 persons with disabilities hold university degrees across various disciplines, yet many remain underemployed or unemployed.
Notwithstanding progress in policy and representation, persons with disabilities in Uganda continue to face significant socio-economic barriers.
They are disproportionately affected by poverty and limited access to education compared to the general population. Only about 9% of children with disabilities complete primary education, while just 6% proceed to secondary education.
Those who attain higher education often encounter barriers to employment, despite the existence of legal frameworks such as the Employment Act, which promotes equality in the workplace.
Beyond formal systems
Misconceptions and stigma around disability remain widespread within families and communities. These attitudes contribute to social exclusion, physical isolation and low self-esteem among PWDs.
Furthermore, the limited disability enabling tools challenge access to essential government services, such as education, healthcare and income-generating programmes and thus continue to reinforce vulnerability among PWDs.
Ultimately, stable livelihoods remain a central concern for many Ugandans and even more so for persons with disabilities. We continue to call for deeper inclusion, equal opportunity and effective implementation of existing legal protections.
The writer is the chairperson of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities