Uganda will introduce a National Child Disability Benefit to support families raising children with special needs, a move aimed at addressing financial and social challenges faced by caregivers.
This was the focus of the National Child Benefit High-Level Dialogue Meeting held on March 26, 2025, at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel. The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development organized the event in partnership with UNICEF under the theme “Towards Inclusive Social Protection: Exploring a Child Disability Benefit for Uganda.”
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa emphasized that disability support is a right, not a privilege. He criticized the Shs3 billion initial allocation as inadequate and called for at least Shs10 billion. “If we are to start this as a fund, let’s be serious. It would be a betrayal to the disability movement to allocate such a small amount,” he said.
Tayebwa also cautioned against potential misuse of the funds. “This money should improve the welfare of children, not serve as compensation for parents,” he warned.
The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Betty Amongi highlighted the financial strain on families raising children with disabilities, noting that 50% of such households live in extreme poverty. “This benefit will help cover costs like transport, medicine, and rehabilitation support. A child with disabilities requires more financial support than their siblings,” she explained.
She also addressed the gendered impact of caregiving, stating that many fathers abandon mothers of disabled children, leaving them to manage alone.
State Minister for Disability Affairs Hellen Asamo urged a shift in societal attitudes, recalling her personal experience growing up with a disability. “I didn’t go to school like my siblings—I was given a shortcut. We must stop thinking for people with disabilities and instead ask them what they need,” she said.
She also warned against overprotection and exclusion, calling for policies that promote inclusion.
Aggrey Kibenge, Permanent Secretary at the Gender Ministry, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to disability inclusion. He outlined plans for regular cash transfers to families as part of the benefit.
UNICEF Country Representative Robin Nandy praised Uganda’s social protection efforts and highlighted the economic benefits of investing in disability support. “Every shilling invested in a child disability benefit can generate up to Shs2.5 in the economy,” he noted.
Uganda aims to learn from countries like Kenya and South Africa, which have successfully implemented similar programs.