The Persons with Disabilities Act Cap 115, (2020) defines disability as “a substantial functional limitation of daily life activities caused by physical, mental, or sensory impairments and environmental barriers that result in limited participation.” 

This definition underscores the fact that disability is not merely a medical condition but a dynamic interaction between individuals and

their surrounding environment.

Persons with Disabilities include all individuals who experience long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments. These impairments, when combined with various attitudinal and environmental barriers, significantly hinder full and equal participation in society. It is

important to emphasize that barriers exist both within society’s structures and in the attitudes of individuals and institutions towards those with disabilities, often exacerbating the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities.

Section 5 (L) of the Uganda Communications Act 2013 mandates the Commission to “promote research into the development and use of new communications techniques and technologies, including those which promote accessibility of Persons with Disabilities and other members of society to communications services”. Article 21(1) of Uganda’s Constitution upholds Uganda’s commitment in safeguarding equality and freedom from discrimination for all, including PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. 

Under the article, discrimination was defined in clause (3) to mean giving different treatment to different persons attributable only or mainly to their respective descriptions by sex, race, color, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed, or religion, or social or economic standings,

political opinion or disability.

The 2014 National Housing and Population Census estimated that around 12.4% of the population (7 million people) live with disabilities. Despite these significant numbers, the Persons with disabilities Disabilities demographic remains one of the most underserved groups in terms of access to

education, employment, and ICT services.

Persons with Disabilities face significant challenges in accessing quality education and formal employment, as well as healthcare services. 

These challenges limit their ability to achieve their full potential, especially in the context of a rapidly growing knowledge-based global economy.

Key challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities in Uganda include:

a) Low access to ICT/ Digital Literacy due to low levels of formal education- Many persons with disabilities are unable to attend school due to both physical barriers (lack of accessible infrastructure) and social barriers (stigma and discrimination).

b) Limited Employment Opportunities- Persons with Disabilities are significantly

underrepresented in the formal workforce, particularly in the knowledge-based economy.

Less than 1% of the formal workforce comprises Persons with Disabilities.

c) Limited Access to ICT Services- Many Persons with Disabilities – face financial and

educational barriers to accessing digital services, limiting their ability to participate in the

digital economy. The high cost of ICT devices, coupled with limited digital literacy, further

restricts Persons with Disabilities  from reaping the benefits of the digital transformation.

d) Social Stigma and Marginalization- Persons with Disabilities s often face social exclusion,

making it difficult for them to fully integrate into society and participate in community

activities.