Residents and community leaders have been encouraged to offer support and care for relatives and friends with disabilities. This call was made by Buteme Mercy, a medical professional and the founder of the Night to Shine Foundation, an initiative dedicated to assisting persons with disabilities.
Buteme organizes annual events for PWDs to foster social inclusion and create opportunities for them to engage with their families. This year’s celebration, held in Namisindwa District over the weekend at Forester Gardens, attracted over 250 participants, primarily young people with disabilities and their families.
Buteme emphasized that persons with disabilities often face isolation both within their families and communities. She stressed the importance of showing love and support to PWDs, noting that disability is not a personal choice. These celebrations aim to provide PWDs with an opportunity to experience life beyond their usual environments.
Namisindwa Male Youth Councilor, Emma Bwayo, who was invited as a guest speaker, urged leaders to prioritize the welfare of PWDs. He criticized “opportunistic leaders” who overlook PWDs due to their perceived lack of political mobilization. Bwayo emphasized that true leadership is about serving all people, regardless of their status.
He also highlighted the National Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities, a government program available in districts, municipalities, and cities. However, he expressed concern that the funds are often mismanaged, with only a small fraction reaching the intended beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) 2024 Report recorded the national prevalence of disability at 5.7%, sparking public outrage from stakeholders.