Mukono – Mukono District Local Government has established a District Technical Disability Inclusion Committee (DTDIC) to strengthen coordination, planning, monitoring and accountability for disability inclusion across all district departments and programmes.
The initiative was unveiled during an orientation meeting held at the district headquarters’ Chief Administrative Officer’s boardroom on Tuesday. The meeting was organised in partnership with the Umbrella Cerebral Palsy Network Association (UCPNA) and brought together district technical staff and stakeholders to discuss strategies for mainstreaming disability inclusion in district planning and service delivery.
Participants included district leaders and technical officers such as District Vice Chairperson Hon. Joram Kabali Kimera, officials from the Community Development Department, the District Planning Unit, the District Health Office, and representatives from partner organisations supporting people with disabilities.
During the meeting, Christine Kirungi explained that the engagement aimed to establish and strengthen the District Technical Disability Inclusion Committee to ensure disability issues are effectively integrated into district planning, budgeting and monitoring processes.
She noted that disabilities vary in nature and therefore require coordinated support from different technical departments to ensure services and programmes respond to the needs of people with disabilities.
Kirungi thanked participants for their commitment, saying their involvement demonstrates growing support for improving the lives and opportunities of people with disabilities in Mukono District.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer, Clerk to Council Eunice Alowo conveyed the district administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote disability inclusion and improve service delivery for persons with disabilities.
District Vice Chairperson Joram Kabali Kimera commended the organisers for prioritising disability inclusion in development programmes and applauded the Umbrella Cerebral Palsy Network Association for creating a platform that brings stakeholders together to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.
He also recognised the continued advocacy of Florence Nakanwagi in championing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities and encouraged her to maintain the same commitment in the coming leadership term.
Kimera emphasised the need for increased advocacy and community sensitisation, noting that platforms such as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities can play an important role in addressing stigma and promoting the rights of people with disabilities.
He further called for orientation and refresher training for newly elected leaders and technical staff to strengthen their understanding of disability inclusion and responsive service delivery.
During the engagement, partners also donated a brand-new wheelchair to the Community Development Department to support mobility for people with disabilities.
District Community Development Officer Minisa Namukose Kirya thanked stakeholders for their commitment and pledged continued support from the district to ensure people with disabilities are not discriminated against but instead enjoy equal rights and opportunities like other citizens.
She added that more engagements will be conducted to promote meaningful improvements in the lives of persons with disabilities across the district.
During the discussions, Kenneth Nangai from Katalemwa Cheshire Home for Rehabilitation Services facilitated a session highlighting barriers faced by people with disabilities in accessing health services.
He pointed to challenges such as negative attitudes from some health workers, limited availability of sign language interpreters in schools, inadequate awareness about disability grants and gaps in social protection programmes.
Participants also raised concerns about the high cost of education at secondary and higher levels, the limited number of inclusive schools equipped to handle different types of disabilities, shortages of trained personnel and the lack of assistive devices.
Stakeholders further noted that overprotection can sometimes affect the confidence and independence of people with disabilities, while negative community attitudes continue to hinder their full participation in development programmes.
Representing the District Planning Department, Balilonda Patrick emphasised the importance of investing in inclusive schools that promote independence and self-confidence among learners with disabilities.
He also recommended incorporating sign language as a compulsory subject in the national education curriculum and called for capacity building among Community Based Services staff to improve identification and support for people with disabilities.
The orientation meeting marked an important step toward strengthening disability inclusion in Mukono District, with stakeholders committing to work together to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
Through the District Technical Disability Inclusion Committee, the district aims to ensure disability issues are fully integrated into planning, budgeting and service delivery processes.
Leaders expressed optimism that with stronger coordination, increased advocacy and continued collaboration with development partners, Mukono will create a more inclusive environment where people with disabilities can access services, participate in development programmes and enjoy equal opportunities.
