Gulu women with disabilities urged to abandon street begging, start businesses
Reports indicate an increasing number of women with disabilities begging on the streets of Gulu city, with several moving from street to street seeking support, often accompanied by their children, whom they send door-to-door to ask for help.
A section of women living with disabilities in Gulu City waiting for their donation from The Thriving Woman during women day celebration. (Photo by Christopher Nyeko)
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GULU CITY — As Uganda celebrated International Women's Day on March 8, 2026, civil society organisations in Gulu urged women living with disabilities to stop begging on the streets and instead pursue entrepreneurship.
Reports indicate an increasing number of women with disabilities begging on the streets of Gulu city, with several moving from street to street seeking support, often accompanied by their children, whom they send door-to-door to ask for help.
Some of the women shared their experiences with New Vision Online, saying they resort to begging because they are unable to perform physically demanding work.
One of the women, Nancy Anena, who lives with a physical disability, spoke about the stigma they face in their communities.
She explained that mobility challenges prevent many women with disabilities from fully participating in economic and social activities.
Anena also revealed that many of the women begging on the streets are victims of abuse, including sexual assault, which has resulted in unwanted pregnancies, leaving many to raise their children alone.
She added that some women have also been injured in road crashes while begging along busy streets.
On Sunday, during International Women’s Day celebrations held under the theme: Give to Gain, a community-based organisation promoting peace, unity, and women’s empowerment: The Thriving Women, donated various items to women with disabilities in Gulu city.
The donations included food supplies such as maize flour and packets of salt, as well as sanitary items like jerrycans to each beneficiary.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude, saying the support came at the right time during the celebrations.
Organisation executive director Sandra Aber Rachkara encouraged women living with disabilities in Gulu City to abandon street begging and instead start small businesses, emphasising that entrepreneurship provides a more sustainable source of livelihood.
Meanwhile, Sam Olara, a representative of the Gulu Union of Women with Disabilities, said the union is currently providing soft-skills training to women with disabilities and exploring mobility solutions to help them overcome their challenges.
He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to advocating for the welfare and rights of people living with disabilities.