Minister Asamo warns against PWDs' discrimination as Makerere University observes day in their honour

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Wheelchairs lined the front rows of Makerere University’s Main Hall as sign language interpreters moved their hands in deliberate rhythm.

Students with visual, hearing, and physical disabilities filled the hall on December 1, 2025, to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), a global observance held every December 3.

Organised by the Office of the Dean of Students in collaboration with the 91st Ministry for Students with Disabilities, this year’s event ran under the theme: Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress. It brought together students, disability activists, policymakers, and university leaders.

The event was officiated by disability affairs state minister Hellen Grace Asamo, who warned that stigma around disability remains deeply rooted.

“When you want to define a person, a person will have a gender. It will be a man or a woman. But disability is not considered one of those identities,” she said. 

“That is why people with disabilities often face neglect and discrimination, because society sees us as ‘the other."

Asamo spoke candidly about discriminatory barriers, especially in employment across the country.

“The moment you walk into a room without hands, for example, the reactions are telling. There’s that whisper of ‘is this what we expected?’ The bias is immediate, and it creates a toxic environment.”

She urged institutions to lead by example through making education and awareness go hand in hand with action.

Asamo also encouraged PWDs to stand up for their rights, saying no one is going to hand them anything if they don’t fight for it.

“Disabled people must be seen and heard. Be visible in your spaces, demand your rights.”

She revealed that government is developing a national disability blueprint addressing education, health, and employment, but it still awaits presidential approval.

Disability is not inability

In her keynote address, Safia Nalule Juuko, the chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), thanked President Yoweri Museveni for appointing PWDs to positions of responsibility, saying such representation proves that “disability is not inability.”

Juuko emphasised that disability is an evolving concept shaped not only by conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or depression but also by environmental barriers, negative attitudes, inaccessible infrastructure, transportation challenges and inadequate social support.

“These barriers continue to limit effective participation of PWDs on an equal basis with others,” she said.

Despite this, she noted progress in addressing accessibility gaps, citing World Health Organisation statistics estimating 1.3 billion PWDs globally, and about 5.5 million in Uganda.

Commitment to Inclusion

Makerere University dean of students Winfred Kabumbuli reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity.

“We gather here to enact improvements and increase awareness toward our students and staff with disabilities,” she said.

“We are putting deliberate efforts into the implementation of equal opportunities and practices on our campus.”

Kabumbuli highlighted the university’s long-standing culture of diversity and its goal of creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

“We welcome you to build a culture of support for one another. By creating an inclusive academic and social environment, we become part of the change makers of today.”

She noted recent infrastructural improvements, including accessible and designated accommodation in all residences and the newly refurbished School of Law building, now equipped with an elevator.

Makerere has also increased provision of assistive devices such as special chairs, rails, white canes, and red paper.

Inclusivity is our strength

Donitah Akakunda, university minister for students with disabilities, called for a stronger national commitment to dignity and visibility.

“This day reminds us of the power of inclusivity, strength and unity,” she said. “We are always strong in fighting for fair treatment, and we applaud institutions that create supportive environments.”

She urged Ugandans to embrace a society where PWDs live openly and confidently.

“It teaches us that we need to build a nation where people don’t have to hide. Inclusivity is not just physical access; it is our strength, our effort, our hard work to create a truly inclusive environment.”

Akakunda acknowledged continuing challenges, such as inaccessible homes and classrooms, but expressed optimism that attitudes are shifting.

“We are moving toward a world where families no longer hide disability. Instead, we will see people with impairments helping the nation and creating change.”

She commended Makerere’s leadership for promoting inclusion and improving participation in activities such as national sports and rugby.