PWDs in Teso call for increased support for inclusive sports

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Teso sub-region are urging the government to prioritize funding for disability-inclusive sports, citing untapped potential among their communities.

Speaking during an engagement with PWDs on Saturday, Soroti District Council Speaker Stephen Olebe highlighted the immense talent among persons with disabilities, which continues to be overlooked due to inadequate financial support.

“When we talk about sports, very few consider persons with disabilities. There’s still an outdated belief that athletics are only for the able-bodied. Yet PWDs enjoy and can actively participate in sports like anyone else,” Olebe noted.

As the Soroti District Council representative for PWDs, Olebe emphasized that individuals with disabilities are capable of competing in a variety of disciplines including wheelchair football, bowling, basketball, dance, rugby, cycling, swimming, tennis, and badminton.

Persons with disabilities showcase their talent during a para sports event held in Soroti City.

He added that greater exposure and participation would be possible if government funding was increased to support inclusive programs at the community level.

Meanwhile, Geofry Ewatu, the PWD representative for Soroti City East Division, called on schools to promote equal participation of students with disabilities in sports and recreational activities.

“The right to sport and recreation for PWDs is protected under international human rights instruments such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Article 30 of the CRPD explicitly recognizes their right to take part in cultural life, leisure, and sports,” Ewatu explained.

Soroti District Sports Officer Richard Etidu affirmed that a budget proposal has already been submitted, urging the government to scale up investment in sports to ensure inclusivity for all.

“We are appealing to the government to increase sports funding to accommodate all categories of participants, regardless of their abilities,” Etidu said.

Football player Geoffrey Odeke also weighed in, arguing that Ugandan athletes have elevated the country’s status on the global stage but lack sufficient financial motivation.

“Uganda was ranked among the top netball nations globally after securing sixth place—an incredible achievement. But with 51 federations under the sports ministry, our current budget is stretched too thin,” he said.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has repeatedly pledged to champion increased sports funding, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and equitable support for all athletes.