Uganda’s commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on Sunday carried a renewed call for inclusion, as Curantis Foundation urged government agencies and private companies to allocate two mandatory employment slots for qualified PWDs.
The message was delivered during a lively celebration at St. Javiira Catholic Parish, Bunamwaya, where hundreds of PWDs gathered to showcase their talents and raise awareness about the barriers they continue to face. 
Curantis Foundation founder Dorah Teopista Namugga expressed concern over the high cost of assistive devices—costs she said unfairly burden poor families.
“There is a high tax on assistive devices, yet most families cannot afford them,” Namugga said.
“We ask government to remove all taxes on wheelchairs, hearing aids and other devices. And when PWDs finish school, they still struggle to find jobs. We request every government ministry and private entity to reserve at least two slots for people with disabilities.”
Namugga said their annual celebration is designed to demonstrate the creativity and ability of PWDs while demanding for more inclusive environments.
In his message during Mass, Fr. Francis Ssemuddu, the parish priest, encouraged PWDs to believe in their worth and talents. 
“Don’t feel self-pity because disability is not inability,” he told the congregation.
“We are all created in the image of God. And we are all candidates for becoming PWDs—so I urge road users to be responsible, especially during the festive season.”
Disability rights advocate Stephen Kalema from Fenna Tujune said stigma continues to isolate PWDs, even within their own families.
“Some parents still think having a child with a disability is a curse. Yet 1.3 billion people globally have disabilities,” he said.
“Government must remove taxes on mobility equipment and ensure institutions have disability-friendly structures like walkways and sign-language desks.”
Kalema highlighted empowerment efforts such as training caregivers to make energy-saving hot boxes to earn income while caring for their children.
Teopista Kirumira, the Curantis Foundation Executive Director, cautioned PWDs to avoid political rallies for safety reasons during this heated political season. 
“I thank everyone who supports PWDs, but I advise all PWDs—especially in city centres—to keep away from political rallies,” she said.
Sophia Nabukeera, a PWD from Makerere Kagugube, called for more support from schools and employers.
“We study hard, but when employers see you on clutches or a wheelchair, they can’t employ you,” she said.
“It hurts because we need jobs to survive.”
Artist Yasin Kajabaga, known as Inch Emu, said the annual celebration inspires hope.
“This event helps us meet and encourage each other. But we need government support—financial support especially—so we can start businesses,” he said.
“Hospitals also need shorter beds and chairs because the long ones are difficult for us to use.”
The celebration, which began with a marching band, featured performances in music, dance, modelling and other talents. Curantis Foundation organised the event with support from BrasBand, Jibu Water, SLICK Graphics, Fenna Tujune, BENCO Supermarket, Lifeline International Hospital, and Teo and God Primary School.
The organisation says it will continue pushing for a Uganda where PWDs are fully integrated in education, employment and community life—not as beneficiaries, but as active contributors.
