Why Northern Uganda?
A Challenging Situation for Children with Disabilities
Children with Disabilities (CWDs) in Northern Uganda live in challenging and marginalized conditions characterized by poverty, stigmatization, and limited access to health services and education. The aftermath of the protracted civil war has further increased the vulnerability of this group. Access to healthcare services is limited, therefore there is a substantial need for programs addressing both root causes and treatment of disabilities.
The Civil War –
A Dark Backdrop
From the late 1980s to the mid-2000s, civil war raged between the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the Ugandan government. The conflict was characterized by extreme brutality. Hundreds of thousands of people were killed, millions were driven from their homes, and tens of thousands of children were kidnapped and forced to become child soldiers or sex slaves.
This brutal conflict also led to a total economic collapse in the region. Agriculture, which was a key source of income for the majority, was destroyed, and infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and roads were razed. At the same time, many survivors are left with major social trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Traditional social structures and trust between people were also severely weakened.
About Northern Uganda
- High Disability Prevalence: Northern Uganda has one of the highest rates of disability in the country, with the Lango sub-region reporting a disability prevalence rate of approximately 29.3% (Uganda Demographic and Health Survey, 2016). This is significantly higher than the national average and reflects the region’s unmet needs for rehabilitation services.
- Population Demographics: The Lango sub-region has a population of about 2.5 million people, with a large proportion being children and youth. The young demographic highlights the urgent need for services targeting children with disabilities, who form a significant part of the vulnerable population.
- Impact of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) Insurgency: Decades of conflict with the LRA left deep scars, including displacement, physical and emotional trauma, and underdeveloped infrastructure. Many families lost access to healthcare, leading to untreated conditions and higher disability rates among children.
- Agriculture and Climate Vulnerability: Around 80% of households in Northern Uganda rely on subsistence farming for their livelihoods. Climate change poses a significant threat to food security, compounding the challenges faced by families with children with disabilities, who already struggle with economic vulnerability.
Social Exclusion and Stigmatization of CWDs
Children with disabilities have been particularly hard hit and are often overlooked in the reconstruction work. Although Uganda has an inclusive education policy, these children face many practical obstacles. Lack of accessibility to schools and transport, few teachers with special education training, and inadequate teaching materials create major challenges for both the children and their families.
Limited Access to Healthcare Services
The health services in northern Uganda are generally underdeveloped, which affects children with disabilities particularly hard. Access to rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy is limited, and a lack of specialists and diagnostic equipment makes the situation even more challenging. Additionally, financial barriers prevent many families from seeking healthcare when needed.
Adina Foundation Uganda (AFU) – An Important Player
Since 2010, Adina Foundation Uganda (AFU) has been a key player in the reconstruction and operation of health and education initiatives for children with disabilities. With a holistic and comprehensive approach, AFU responds to many of the challenges caused by inadequate public measures.
Rebuilding Healthcare Services
AFU offers comprehensive rehabilitation services that include surgeries, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation, as well as general health care and the distribution of assistive devices. The organization rehabilitates between 250 and 300 children annually, making AFU an important healthcare provider in the region. The longevity of the program makes AFU a well-known organization in the region.
Access to Education
Inclusive education is one of the focus areas of AFU. AFU works to increase schooling among children with disabilities by offering education while the children live at the rehabilitation centre, support for tuition fees and materials after rehabilitation, as well as vocational training. Teachers receive training in inclusive education, and schools are facilitated with ramps and other necessary infrastructure adaptations to facilitate inclusive education. This work is crucial in a country where only 9% of children with disabilities attend school regularly.
Promoting Social Inclusion
AFU works actively to reduce stigma and promote acceptance for CWDs. Through community-based rehabilitation and awareness programs, they engage families, communities, and institutions to strengthen children’s opportunities and rights.
Financial Support and Sustainability
To create lasting change, AFU organizes parent support groups. The parents receive training in reading, writing, and numeracy skills, household economics, and knowledge of disabilities. After completing the course, the families receive two goats as an investment, and savings and loan schemes are established. This lays the foundation for income-generating activities and creates sustainable solutions over time.
Opportunities and Hope
Despite the challenges in northern Uganda, there are many positive developments. Local initiatives, such as traditional reconciliation ceremonies, help to restore trust and cohesion. Young people show great commitment to entrepreneurship and education, and the region has significant potential in agriculture and ecotourism. With support from the government and aid organisations, there is an increasing focus on the development of infrastructure, such as roads and water supply.
The Way Forward
The ability to build on this potential requires long-term support and cooperation between local and international actors. Although the challenges are great, the measures give hope for a better future for children with disabilities.
The Role of Ability Forward
Ability Forward is proud to be part of the work to improve the lives of children with disabilities in Northern Uganda. Together with our local partner, Adina Foundation Uganda, we work to ensure that these children have the opportunity to actively participate in the development of society.