Capacity Building Conference for District Councils of Persons with Disabilities Held in Mbarara City

In a significant move towards enhancing the effectiveness of District Councils for Persons with Disabilities, over 30 Chairpersons and Secretaries gathered in Mbarara City for a transformative two-day’s conference. This pivotal event was aimed at strengthening the capacity of District councils for Persons with Disabilities, enabling them to perform their functions more effectively and promote disability inclusion and development within their Districts.

The conference was officially opened by the Mayor of Mbarara City, Mr. Robert Kakyebezi. In his opening remarks, the Mayor Kakyebezi expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for recognizing a group of citizens who were historically overlooked and marginalized.  He noted "People with disabilities can contribute significantly to our country and should be given the opportunity to compete equally". He also urged Persons with Disabilities to leverage the government's livelihood programs to improve their lives and ensure their children receive an education. "Since the government supports you, support yourselves, your families, and make sure your children go to school," he advised.

The conference objectives were:

1. Raising Awareness of Roles and Responsibilities:

The participants were briefed on the roles and responsibilities of both the district and national council for persons with disabilities. This awareness was crucial for ensuring that the councils operate efficiently and in alignment with their mandates.

2. Imparting Knowledge on Government Livelihood Programs:

Attendees received detailed information on various government livelihood programs. This knowledge is intended to enhance the access and participation of persons with disabilities in these programs, thereby improving their socio-economic status.

3. Building Networking and Collaboration Skills:

The conference emphasized the importance of networking and collaboration. Participants engaged in activities designed to strengthen their skills in advocating for disability inclusion and development. By building stronger networks, the councils can work more effectively with stakeholders to advance the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities.

4. Promoting Participation in Electoral Processes:

Enhancing the knowledge of council members on the role of persons with disabilities in electoral processes was another critical focus. This initiative aims to ensure that persons with disabilities are actively involved in democratic processes, thereby promoting their political empowerment.

Conference Participants

The conference brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from organizations of persons with disabilities, and political and technical representatives from the central government. This broad representation facilitated a comprehensive dialogue on the challenges and opportunities for disability inclusion at both the district and national levels.

The Conference was officially closed with a key note address from the Minister of State for Disability, Ms. Helen Grace Asamo who was represented by the Commissioner for Disability and Elderly in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mr. Prosper Muhumuza.

Overall, the two-day conference in Mbarara City was a vital step towards empowering district councils for persons with disabilities. By enhancing their capacity and fostering collaboration, the event contributed to the broader goal of promoting disability inclusion and development across Uganda. 

Below is a televised version of the capacity building conference as featured on TV West.

https://youtu.be/N67PiDLjz5E?si=DVMOiwOpyMd9-lWv