Christine Akullo: Sports can empower children with disabilities

Uganda’s Paralympic legend Christine Akullo has called on parents to encourage children with disabilities to take part in sports, stressing its role in improving health, building confidence, and unlocking talent.

Akullo, who won gold medals at the 2011 All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique and the 2015 edition in Brazzaville, Congo in the women’s T13 category, said her own journey shows how sport can transform lives.

“Looking at me, I’m a disabled person but I didn’t sit down. I took sports as a career for sustainability. That’s why I was able to construct a commercial house for myself in Amuria town,” she explained.

Currently based in Amuria Town Council, Akullo emphasized the importance of introducing children to organised sports early, ideally between ages 4–6. She noted that waiting until adolescence may discourage participation, as children could begin to see themselves as non-athletic.

She added that sports promote teamwork, cognitive development, emotional resilience, and help children overcome functional limitations.

Stephen Olebe, Speaker of Soroti District Local Government, echoed her message, saying children may have disabilities but are not “disabled.” He stressed that sports can help them discover talents just like their peers.

“Children with disabilities are often more socially isolated and less physically active. Adaptive sports allow them to participate fully,” Olebe said.

He added that talent is God-given and can lead to success even without formal academic qualifications.

Simon Opolot, Soroti City Sports Officer, also emphasized the importance of tapping into the talents of people with disabilities, noting that sports can be a powerful tool for inclusion and empowerment.