Hope for children with disabilities as legislative support pledge made
Persons with Disabilities Member of Parliament Mpindi Bumali said Parliament is in the final stages of introducing a Child Disability Benefit.
Children with disability celebrating the 10th Annual Awareness and Fun Day for Children with Disabilities organised by Special Children’s Trust and its partners at Lugogo Hockey Grounds in Kampala. ( Photos by Aloysious Kasoma)
By Aloysious Kasoma
Journalists @New Vision
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Parliament is intensifying efforts to introduce new legislation and reforms aimed at improving the welfare and inclusion of children with disabilities in Uganda.
Speaking at the 10th Annual Awareness and Fun Day for children with disabilities organised by Special Children’s Trust and its partners at Lugogo Hockey Grounds in Kampala on Friday, July 11, 2025, Persons with Disabilities Member of Parliament Mpindi Bumali said Parliament is in the final stages of introducing a Child Disability Benefit.
“Under this programme, children with disabilities are expected to be registered and provided with a monthly stipend to support their care and special needs,” he explained.
He urged parents to utilise the National Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities.
“Even if you are not a person with a disability but care for a child with a disability, you are eligible. Form groups, apply, and use this money to support your children.”
He also called for reforms to the Parish Development Model (PDM) programme to include children with disabilities in the 10% allocation reserved for persons with disabilities.
Mpindi condemned the reclassification of diapers as luxury items, calling it “unacceptable.”
“Diapers are a necessity for children with special needs. I will personally meet with the Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and work with my fellow MPs to resolve this.”
He proposed that Special Children’s Trust develop a formal advocacy paper to support discussions with URA, the Ministry of Finance, and the President.
He also highlighted the need for tax-free access to mobility equipment and vehicles used to transport children with disabilities.
“Mobility is a right. No child should be confined because they lack a functioning wheelchair,” he emphasised.
Persons with Disabilities Member of Parliament Mpindi Bumali at the 10th Annual Awareness and Fun Day for Children with Disabilities organised Special Children’s Trust and its partners at Lugogo Hockey Grounds in Kampala on Friday.
"I am honoured to be here today, representing our children and persons with disabilities in Parliament. I want to sincerely thank the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the Special Children’s Trust, our development partners, and the media for supporting this cause."
The event, organised by Special Children’s Trust (SCT Uganda), highlighted not only the existing challenges but also the legislative and policy measures underway to foster genuine inclusion.
Inclusion
Gender ministry senior rehabilitation officer Miriam Akot said, “Inclusion cannot wait—it must happen now."
“Let us all remember: inclusion is not a favour; it is a fundamental human right. Every individual deserves the opportunity to participate in and benefit from every aspect of life and from the services our government provides.”
Akot emphasised that the theme: Inclusion Cannot Wait, is a directive to scrutinise and improve education, health, and social service systems.
“As a government, I proudly say—yes. We have created platforms and environments that allow our partners to provide essential services to children with disabilities,” she noted.
However, she cautioned that infrastructure alone is not enough.
"We must go further—by changing mindsets. We must raise awareness and show our communities that children with disabilities can contribute, participate, and thrive just like any other child."
She highlighted Uganda’s legislative strides in disability inclusion, including political representation, and commended the Special Children’s Trust for consistently advancing inclusive development.
“You are breaking down barriers and building a future where all children can flourish,” she said.
Addressing a common tendency to forget pledges after public events, Akot urged stakeholders to act.
"It's like when a child loses their parents and mourners promise support—but after the burial, no one checks if the child is fed, clothed, or going to school. Let us not be like those mourners.
"She also pointed to the importance of the National ID system for enabling access to government programs, including the Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities.
"Many government programs now require a NIN (National Identification Number). Let’s not assume that children with disabilities don’t need to be registered—they do, and it’s critical to their access to opportunities."
Akot stressed the need for a multisectoral approach: “We cannot stop at education; our children with disabilities also need healthcare, social services, and community support.”
She challenged harmful beliefs among some parents, citing misconceptions that children with disabilities are a curse or punishment.
“Let us break those harmful beliefs. Through awareness and compassion, we can build a society where every child is valued.”
Health ministry assistant commissioner for clinical services Dr Paul Muwonge Moses provided sobering statistics to highlight the magnitude of the issue.
“Uganda has close to 5 million people living with various forms of disability, and of these, nearly 2.5 million—about 6% of the population—are children,” he said.
Dr Muwonge emphasised the importance of early intervention and antenatal care, particularly in identifying conditions like rubella and polycystic carcinoma.
“Every year, more than 3,000 children are born with disabilities ranging from physical to genetic and metabolic conditions. Early antenatal care and proper medication can change a child’s life,” he said.
He praised Sense International for its longstanding support in this area.