Soroti PWDs highlight challenges as Uganda marks International Disabilities Day

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Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Soroti City are speaking out against the challenges they face, even as Uganda marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) today (Dec 3).

The Regional Human Rights Officer at the Uganda Human Rights Commission, Soroti Regional Office, Josephine Akello, has called on the government to increase funding for disability-inclusive healthcare. She says insufficient investment continues to undermine access to essential services such as assistive devices, rehabilitation, and specialised medical care. Akello warns that existing budget allocations fall far short of meeting the growing needs of the disability community.

She adds that inadequate funding has resulted in a shortage of sign-language interpreters, limited disability-friendly infrastructure, and long waiting times for critical services such as physiotherapy and mental-health support. She urges the government to ring-fence funds for disability healthcare, recruit and train specialists, and improve accessibility across public health facilities.

Meanwhile, PWDs themselves are voicing frustrations about day-to-day barriers. They say many public offices remain inaccessible. In Soroti, the Magistrates Court and the Office of the City Clerk are not wheelchair-friendly, forcing some to crawl to access services.

They also allege corruption in government programs, including the National Disability Grant and the Parish Development Model, where some leaders demand money in exchange for benefits. PWDs further report that some medical personnel have refused to assist pregnant women with disabilities, citing disability as the reason.

The community is calling for improved accessibility, greater accountability, and an end to discrimination in public services.