The Top Ten Things You Should Know About Living With Disabilities In Uganda

July 11, 2024

THE TOP TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LIVING WITH DISABILITIES IN UGANDA

10. Traditionally, disabilities have often been viewed negatively in Uganda, sometimes associated with stigma and misconceptions. In some communities, people believe disabilities occur because of curses, witchcraft, or punishment for wrongdoings.

9. Uganda has made significant strides in creating a legal framework to support the rights of people with disabilities. The country is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Domestically, the Persons with Disabilities Act (2006) aims to promote and protect these rights.

8. The Ugandan Parliament has five seats reserved for people with disabilities, one of which must be held by a woman. Every level of government has mandated representation of people with disabilities, down to local councils at the village level.

7. Uganda is said to have the best disability legislative and policy framework in sub-Saharan Africa. However, a significant gap exists between what is written on paper and what is being done on the ground.

6. An estimated 80 percent of Ugandans with disabilities live below the poverty line.

5. Disability among children is prevalent but seldom recognized and often hidden. According to UNICEF, 13.5% of children in Uganda (about 2.5 million) have some form of disability.

4. You must know that when you donate to Social Promise, your donations benefit two institutions that champion work for people with disabilities.

3. Lacor Hospital has hosted pediatric surgical camps for the past three years to treat children born with malformations at no cost to the patient. One mother described how her husband left her and her son Benji because he viewed Benji's disability as a curse. She is thankful Benji received the surgery and is flourishing.

2. Only about 9% of children with special needs attend primary school, and only about 6% continue to secondary school. St. Jude Primary School welcomes students with disabilities from both the children's homes and the community.

1. For many years, Consolation Home was a special place within St. Jude Children's Home that cared for children with disabilities. Several years ago, it dissolved, and the children mainstreamed into single-family homes with the other residents. The physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs at St. Jude's clinic provide: