The Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Hon Hellen Asamo, has announced that the Government will increase funding for persons with disabilities (PWDs) under the Parish Development Model (PDM) from UGX 1 million to UGX 1.5 million.
Minister Asamo revealed that the government has already disbursed over UGX 4.2 billion to PWD groups across the country under various livelihood support programs. Beneficiaries have invested in projects such as poultry, goat rearing, tailoring, and small-scale agriculture.
According to a recent assessment, 83% of these beneficiaries can now afford basic needs, including school fees and improved healthcare an indication of the program’s growing impact on household welfare.
“These interventions show Government’s commitment to transforming lives through inclusive development programs aimed at breaking cycles of poverty, promoting independence, and upholding the dignity of persons with disabilities,” Asamo noted.
She made the announcement today, Monday, December 1, 2025, while addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre ahead of national celebrations to mark the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, slated for December 3, 2025.
The minister urged all government agencies and development partners to ensure affirmative inclusion of persons with disabilities in their programs, emphasizing the need for equitable access and participation in national development.
She also commended the Government of Uganda and development partners for their continued support, saying their contributions have strengthened respect, inclusion, and economic security for PWDs across the country.
Asamo further reaffirmed Uganda’s pledge to eliminate discrimination and neglect against persons with disabilities, in line with Article 35 of the Constitution and the Persons with Disabilities Act.
She highlighted major interventions aimed at improving person with disabilities livelihoods which included, boosting employability, the government has established five vocational rehabilitation and skills development centres, which train youth with disabilities in practical and marketable skills. So far, over 780 learners have been certified by the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board, helping reduce unemployment rates among PWDs.
A recent UBOS report also shows a significant increase in the participation of persons with disabilities in the money economy an encouraging trend that reflects ongoing empowerment efforts.
Assistant Commissioner Abajjo Emilly noted that this year’s celebrations will also focus on deepening public understanding of the rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities. She added that free health camps will be available during the event to offer essential medical services at no cost.
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) represent over 12% of Uganda’s population, hence excluding them wastes huge potential and their inclusion expands the workforce, skills pool, and reduces dependency and increases the number of people participating in the money economy
This year’s celebration which runs under the theme: “Wealth Creation: A Key to Social Economic Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities” will be presided over by President Yoweri Museveni at the Uganda National Institute of Education in Mubende District.
