President Museveni Pledges Shs300 Million Annually to PWDs in Kampala

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged an annual allocation of Shs300 million to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the five divisions of Kampala City.

The funds, allocated through their Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), are aimed at boosting their economic empowerment under the Parish Development Model (PDM).

The President committed today while meeting a group of PWDs led by Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, the Minister of State for Disability Affairs, at State House, Entebbe.

The group had requested an increase in PDM funding, arguing that the current allocation of Shs1 million was inadequate to meet their needs.

“I think we had not given a lot of thought on how that money is insufficient for you. Now that I am aware, we are going to step in. You are right—you have special needs and requirements,” he said.

The President announced that the government would allocate Shs300 million annually to PWD SACCOs in each of Kampala’s divisions to enhance their socio-economic transformation.

“We shall therefore allocate Shs300 million each year to PWD SACCOs in each division of Kampala so that it can boost your socio-economic growth since Shs1 million is not enough,” President Museveni stated.

The five divisions of Kampala include Central, Kawempe, Makindye, Nakawa, and Rubaga.

He urged the beneficiaries to take charge of distributing the funds among their members, emphasizing the government’s commitment to inclusive development.

“The government is determined to enhance socio-economic transformation and improve household incomes, so you must be included in all ways possible. One hundred individuals will benefit each year, and you will decide how much each person gets accordingly,” he said.

Mr. Majid Kawooya, a representative of the group, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for responding to their concerns and for his continued efforts to improve their livelihoods.

“We came here today to request the President to consider our concerns regarding how PDM money is being distributed,” he said.

Mr. Kawooya explained that while each individual receives Shs1 million under the PDM to support income-generating projects, PWDs face unique challenges that make it difficult to utilize the funds effectively.

“We receive Shs1 million for the Parish Development Model to start projects that would eventually boost our income,” he noted.

“However, because we are disabled, we have special needs. Many of us require helpers to assist with mobility, push wheelchairs, and provide other essential services,” he added.

Mr. Kawooya further explained that by the time PWDs receive the funds, a significant portion has already been spent on necessary support services, leaving little for actual business investment.

“So, by the time we receive the Shs1 million, instead of using it for its intended purpose, we find that half of it has already been spent on our special needs. At that point, it has not served its purpose,” he added.