Youth With Disabilities Urge Government to Improve Healthcare and Accessibility

What the report says

Young people with disabilities attending a national summit in Namugongo have called on the Ugandan government to improve healthcare access, make public spaces more accessible and provide disability-specific support services. The appeal was made at the National Youth Disability Summit, organised by the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association Uganda (SHAU) at Namugongo-Kyoto, which ended on Friday, October 23. Participants said gaps in service delivery continue to make daily life harder for people with disabilities and limit their independence.

The concerns covered several areas of health care. Participants pressed for reliable supplies of essential medicines, including anti-seizure drugs, better access to specialised treatment and equipment such as EEG machines, and more affordable scans for patients who may need them after seizures or injuries. Speakers also said some people with disabilities struggle to get the assistive items they need, such as catheters, enema bags, wheelchairs and sunscreen, depending on their condition.

The summit also highlighted barriers inside health facilities and public buildings. Speakers said some health workers need more training on disability-related needs, while deaf patients still face challenges because sign language support is often unavailable. Others pointed to buildings without ramps or accessible washrooms, making it difficult for wheelchair users to participate fully in conferences, accommodation and public services.

According to the report, participants urged government ministries to involve people with disabilities in planning, improve implementation of policies already on paper and expand education and livelihood opportunities. The summit was used as a platform to bring together different disability groups and build a shared advocacy agenda for practical changes in health, accessibility and social inclusion.