By Diana. N. Kintu.
Uganda will join the global community on December 3rd, 2025, to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). The national event will be held at the Uganda National Institute of Teachers Education (UNITE), Mubende Campus, and will be presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Hon. Asamo Hellen Grace, during a briefing at the Uganda Media Centre.
This year’s theme is “Wealth Creation Programmes: A Key to Socio-Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.” Hon. Asamo said the theme highlights the importance of economic inclusion in lifting persons with disabilities out of poverty and improving their independence and dignity. Uganda currently has 6.9 million persons with disabilities, representing 13.6% of the population, according to UBOS’ 2024 Census Report.
The Minister noted that persons with disabilities contribute significantly to national development as workers, innovators, and business owners. However, many continue to face barriers such as discrimination, inaccessible infrastructure, limited education opportunities, and poor access to financial services. These challenges, she said, limit their participation in the money economy and hinder their ability to benefit from national development programmes.
Hon. Asamo emphasised the need for wealth creation programmes to integrate disability inclusion. She said both affirmative action and mainstream initiatives must provide equal access and opportunities for persons with disabilities across the country.
She highlighted progress made through key government initiatives. The National Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities (NSG-PWD) has received UGX 42.5 billion for the 2019/2020 financial year. The funds have supported 8,739 groups and benefited 65,272 households. Beneficiaries invested in projects such as poultry, tailoring, goat rearing, and agriculture. According to the Minister, 83% can now meet basic needs like healthcare, food, and school fees.
The government has also strengthened inclusion in the Parish Development Model (PDM). Ten percent of each parish’s revolving fund is reserved for persons with disabilities. Each beneficiary also receives a UGX 500,000 top-up to support reasonable accommodation needs for their enterprise.
Progress has also been recorded in vocational skills’ development. Since 2022, 780 learners with disabilities have been certified through Vocational Rehabilitation Centres. Financial inclusion is improving as well, with UBOS reporting that 45.1% of persons with disabilities were able to save money in 2024.
Despite these achievements, Hon. Asamo acknowledged major gaps. Participation of persons with disabilities in mainstream livelihood programmes remains below 1%. These include the Youth Livelihood Programme, NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation, EMYOOGA, and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme. The Minister attributed this to negative attitudes, low financial literacy, inadequate outreach, and inaccessible services.
The 2025 IDPD celebration is expected to deliver several key outcomes. These include increased public awareness on disability inclusion, better understanding of PDM top-up grants, and the launch of the National Anthem for Persons with Disabilities. The event will also introduce new guidelines for PDM top-up funds and disability inclusion in child protection. A National Review meeting on the NSG-PWD will also take place.
Planned activities include exhibitions, health camps, and a march led by persons with disabilities.
Hon. Asamo concluded by thanking President Museveni for championing disability inclusion. She called on Ugandans to embrace compassion, uphold accountability, and support the full participation of persons with disabilities in national development.