The National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) is actively implementing the Human Rights Organization Development (HROD) project, supported by the Norwegian Association for the Disabled.
This initiative aims to enhance disability-inclusive planning, budgeting, and service delivery in Luweero, Kabale, Ntungamo, and Kibaale districts.
Persons with disabilities often face barriers in government planning and budgeting processes due to several factors, including the complexity of public information and the lack of accessible formats, such as braille and sign language interpretation.
In response, NUDIPU organized 41 community dialogues across various sub-counties, facilitating interactions between persons with disaibilities and local government officials. These dialogues focused on assessing progress in disability-responsive service delivery for the fiscal year (FY) 2024/25 and planning for FY 2025/26, covering critical sectors such as health, education, community development, and production.
During these engagements, positive advancements emerged. Community Development Officers (CDOs) mobilized persons with disabilities to establish, on average, five groups to access special grants and participate in the Parish Development Model (PDM). There has also been a notable effort to improve physical accessibility at schools and health centers.
In one case in Kabale District, a sign language interpreter was temporarily hired to assist in legal proceedings for a deaf survivor of assault, demonstrating a commitment to reasonable accommodations.
However, significant challenges remain. Discrimination continues to hinder persons with disabilities from accessing PDM funding, as some non-disabled individuals refuse to collaborate within mixed groups, leaving persons with disabilities excluded. Additionally, there is limited interest from persons with disabilities in participation, resulting in funds being diverted to other interest groups.
CDOs have reported restricted funding, limiting the number of persons with disabilities groups that can receive support each financial year and leading to inadequate monitoring of these groups.
Furthermore, many women with disabilities face barriers to accessing the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project due to stringent eligibility criteria.
Despite improvements in new facilities, older structures remain inaccessible, underscoring the need for ongoing advocacy and funding to enhance accessibility.
Looking ahead
NUDIPU plans to conduct training for technical staff and district councillors on disability-inclusive planning and budgeting. Continued advocacy will focus on securing increased funding for community development departments across all 146 districts in Uganda, aiming to mobilize more persons with disabilities for government programs and raise awareness about available opportunities.
NUDIPU remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers persons with disabilities and enhances their participation in society.
