Youth With Disabilities Demand Better Healthcare and Public Accessibility in Uganda

Young people living with disabilities in Uganda have called upon the government to address persistent gaps in healthcare delivery and public infrastructure. The appeal was made during the five-day National Youth Disability Summit held in Namugongo-Kyoto, organized by the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association Uganda (SHAU).

Participants highlighted how shortages of essential medicines and specialized services expose them to avoidable hardships. Joan Apio, a tailor and epilepsy advocate, noted that inconsistent supplies of anti-seizure medications in public health facilities force patients to buy expensive drugs from private pharmacies. She stressed that interruptions in medication worsen the challenges faced by low-income individuals and called for wider access to electroencephalogram (EEG) machines and subsidized CT scans.

Health workers also faced scrutiny over disability awareness. Winfred Nabikoolo, the summit chairperson, pointed out that some medical personnel lack adequate training, leading to misunderstandings and inappropriate care. She recommended regular refresher training for health workers, improved sign language interpretation, and a steady supply of specialized items such as catheters, enema bags, and sunscreen for individuals with albinism.

Infrastructure accessibility remains a major hurdle. George Wakooli, a participant living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, emphasized that many public venues and accommodation facilities still lack ramps and proper amenities for wheelchair users. He urged government bodies to actively involve people with disabilities in planning so that policies translate into real-world improvements rather than remaining merely on paper.

Furthermore, Dr. Joab Twebaze called for heightened efforts to combat social stigma, expand education access, and support economic empowerment. The summit concluded with unified recommendations directed at government ministries to improve independence and quality of life for youth with disabilities across the country.

For more details on this story, read the original report on Nile Post.