Uganda Launches Five-Year Plan to Boost Disability Services

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with development partners and disability advocates, has launched Uganda’s inaugural National Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Strategic Plan, spanning from 2025 to 2030. This significant five-year strategy aims to enhance the accessibility and quality of rehabilitation services and assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, crutches, and hearing aids.

Officials acknowledged that previous efforts were hampered by a lack of a comprehensive national framework, leading to poor coordination, delayed interventions, and a shortage of specialized healthcare workers. “We do believe that it is going to chart a way forward on assistive services in the country,” stated Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health. She emphasized the plan’s role in guiding government and partner investments towards priority areas for service delivery.

The government has pledged to increase its own financing for these services, moving away from heavy reliance on donor support. “We want to prioritise and bring this assistive technology agenda to the forefront. We don’t want to leave anyone behind,” Dr. Atwine added.

During the launch event, assistive devices were distributed to beneficiaries, symbolizing a commitment to improving community access. However, challenges remain. Para badminton player Elizabeth Mwesigwa highlighted the high cost and often poor quality of available equipment, urging government support for talented individuals with disabilities.

Prosper Muhumuza, Commissioner for Disability and Elderly Affairs, noted the shift towards a more structured, rights-based approach. He also raised concerns about the scarcity of rehabilitation specialists in lower-level health facilities, impacting effective support for persons with disabilities. Early intervention and preventative healthcare were identified as crucial in mitigating disability conditions.

Addressing systemic issues like poor coordination and distribution challenges, the government is also finalizing a national screening and assessment mechanism to facilitate early identification and intervention for disabilities, expected to be launched imminently.

Read more about Uganda’s efforts to improve disability support services at https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-unveils-five-year-rehabilitation-plan-to-improve-disability-support-services-5470354