By Joseph Mary Buwule
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD), in partnership with the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Persons with Disabilities (UPFPWDs), has oriented newly elected Members of Parliament on social protection and disability inclusion, with a call for increased legislative support, advocacy and resource mobilisation for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The orientation training, held at Parliament on November 13, 2026, aimed at equipping legislators with knowledge of Uganda’s disability-related policies and programmes, particularly interventions designed to improve the welfare and livelihoods of persons with disabilities.
A key focus of the engagement was the National Child Disability Assistance Programme (NCDAP), its implementation framework and the role of Parliament in ensuring its effective delivery.
The programme seeks to strengthen support for children with disabilities, particularly those with severe disabilities and high support needs, who often require specialised care, assistance and other essential services.
The training also provided a platform for legislators to appreciate the challenges affecting persons with disabilities and the need to promote disability-inclusive policies, legislation and government programmes.
Chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Alex Ndeezi, who represents persons with disabilities in Parliament, called on the newly elected MPs to take an active role in advocating for the rights and welfare of PWDs.
Ndeezi urged legislators to remain vigilant in ensuring that disability concerns are integrated into government planning, budgeting and implementation of development programmes.
He also challenged MPs to mobilise resources and strengthen oversight of interventions targeting persons with disabilities to ensure that intended beneficiaries receive the necessary support.
The partnership between the Ministry and the Parliamentary Forum underscores the importance of collaboration between government and Parliament in advancing disability inclusion and strengthening social protection systems.
Through their legislative, oversight and budgetary responsibilities, MPs are expected to play a critical role in ensuring that persons with disabilities, especially children with significant support needs, benefit from national development programmes.
The orientation comes amid continued efforts to promote equal opportunities, protect the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure that no one is left behind in Uganda’s development agenda.