Uganda’s hidden cost of disability

16 October 2024, 10:53 am

By Makku Hassan

Living with a disability in Uganda comes with unseen expenses, beyond the obvious financial struggles. Societal attitudes, deeply ingrained, inflate the cost of daily life, making it more challenging for persons with disabilities.

Discriminatory practices, such as overcharging for services, exclusion from professional opportunities, and marginalisation, unfairly burden persons with disabilities. Sarah (not her real names), a young woman with a mobility impairment, shared her experience of being charged double for boda-boda rides.

“I’ve gotten used to bargaining harder than anyone else,” she said. “Because they see me as difficult or a burden.”

Deaf employees face exclusion from meetings due to lack of sign language interpreters, limiting career advancement and income potential.

The psychological toll is severe. Social isolation, chronic stress, and anxiety from discrimination worsen mental health conditions.

“It’s not just about the stares,” said John, a man with albinism. “It’s the fact that people don’t want you around because they think you’re cursed. It’s exhausting being treated as something less than human.”

Experts warn that attitudinal barriers weaken the social fabric, missing out on contributions to society and reinforcing negative stereotypes.

To address this, education and public awareness campaigns are essential. Inclusive policies and practices must be implemented.

“Each of us must reflect on our attitudes,” emphasised disability advocates. “Are we contributing to the problem by underestimating persons with disabilities?”

Uganda’s Persons with Disabilities Act is a step forward, but strong implementation is crucial.

The National Union of Disabled Persons in Uganda (NUDIPU) and other organisations are working to promote disability inclusion and challenge attitudinal barriers.

As Uganda moves forward, it’s essential to recognise the hidden costs of disability and work towards creating a more inclusive society.

According to the new data from Uganda bureau of statistics results as of October 3, 2024, indicate that disability prevalence has drastically reduced from 12.4% as of 2014 to 5.7% in 2024 of which the disability organisations such a National Union of Disabled Persons in Uganda and advocates are still challenging.

How can each of us work to reduce attitudinal barriers and create a more inclusive Uganda for persons with disabilities?