By Spy Uganda
Uganda will join the rest of the world on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025 to commemorate the International Day Of Persons With Disabilities (IDPD), with national celebrations scheduled at the Uganda National Institute Of Teachers Education (UNITE), Mubende Campus, where President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to officiate. 
Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre on Monday morning, the Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Hon. Asamo Hellen Grace, revealed that this year’s event will run under the theme: “Wealth Creation Programmes: A Key To Socio-Economic Empowerment Of Persons With Disabilities.”
Disability Numbers Growing, Call For Inclusion Louder
According to the UBOS National Population And Housing Census (2024), disability prevalence in Uganda stands at 13.6%, representing 6.9 million Ugandans. The Minister noted that this growing number demands stronger, targeted and inclusive public services.
She emphasized that despite their contributions as workers, leaders and entrepreneurs, Persons with Disabilities still face widespread barriers including discrimination, inaccessible infrastructure, low education levels and limited access to financial services.
Government Highlights Key Gains In Wealth Creation Programmes
Asamo outlined several Government achievements aimed at improving the livelihoods of Persons with Disabilities:
• National Special Grant For Persons With Disabilities: Since FY 2019/20, Government has invested UGX 42.5 Billion in 8,739 groups, benefiting 65,272 households. Over 83% of beneficiaries can now afford basic needs such as food, healthcare and education.
• Parish Development Model (PDM): Government earmarked 10% of every parish revolving fund for PWDs, alongside a UGX 500,000 top-up for each beneficiary to ease enterprise participation.
• Vocational Rehabilitation And Skills Development: Five Vocational Rehabilitation Centres and a Sheltered Workshop continue to train youths with disabilities. Since 2022, 780 graduates have been certified and provided with start-up kits.
• Financial Inclusion: UBOS data shows 45.1% of PWDs were able to save in 2024, signaling improved participation in the money economy.
• Standardization of the Uganda Sign Language, development of the National Rehabilitation And Assistive Technology Strategic Plan (2025–2030), and expansion of rehabilitation services to Mbarara and Jinja Regional Referral Hospitals.
Challenges Still Hindering Full Participation
Despite the progress, participation of Persons with Disabilities in mainstream development programmes remains very low:
• Only 0.4% benefited from the Youth Livelihood Programme
• 0.9% from NAADS
• 0.4% from Operation Wealth Creation/EMYOOGA
• Only 0.5% of women with disabilities accessed UWEP
The Minister blamed the poor numbers on negative perceptions, inaccessible financial systems, limited outreach and insufficient disability-friendly communication.
Key Expected Outcomes Of The 2025 Commemoration
The national event will deliver the following outcomes:
- Increased Public Awareness On Disability Causes, Prevention And Inclusion
- Better Understanding Of The PDM Reasonable Accommodation Top-Up
- Launch Of The National Anthem For Persons With Disabilities
- National Review Meeting On The NSG-PWD To Improve District Implementation
- Launch Of The PDM Top-Up Guidelines For Persons With Disabilities
- Launch Of The National Guidelines On Disability Inclusion In Child Protection
The celebrations will feature exhibitions, medical camps, a PWDs march and several speeches.
Asamo Salutes Museveni’s Support
Hon. Asamo thanked President Yoweri Museveni for what she described as unwavering support toward disability empowerment. She encouraged citizens to promote inclusion, compassion and accountability in all development efforts.
She urged the public to follow the national commemoration via radio, TV and social media.
