National Child Disability Benefit to support families with disabled children, says Minister Amongi

Kampala, (UG):– The government has initiated plans to establish a Child Disability Benefit program aimed at providing financial support to families raising children with disabilities, Gender, Labour, and Social Development Minister Betty Amongi has announced.

Speaking at the High-Level Dialogue on the Design of the National Child Disability Benefit held at Sheraton Hotel on Wednesday, March 26, Hon Amongi said the initiative will offer monthly cash transfers to assist families in meeting the daily needs of children with disabilities.

“The Government is committed to ensuring that the Child Disability Benefit is rolled out in the Financial Year 2025/2026. To this end, we have committed resources for inception activities, including the development of a robust Disability Assessment Framework, which is a key tool for targeting beneficiaries under the program,” Minister Amongi stated.

She emphasized the importance of collective support in making the program a success. “It is my hope that today (Wednesday), as we start this journey of designing the Child Disability Benefit, we all commit to support the Government on this noble intervention to enable children with disabilities and their households to live dignified and fulfilling lives,” Amongi noted.

The minister further called upon Members of Parliament and institutional representatives to rally behind the initiative, stressing its role in uplifting the most vulnerable segment of the population. “I call upon all Members of Parliament and representatives of the various institutions to hold up this programme that will directly benefit the most vulnerable segment of the population,” she said.

Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, who also attended the dialogue, underscored the importance of the initiative, emphasizing that children with disabilities deserve equal opportunities and protection.

“It is heartening to witness such an essential dialogue taking place, as disability should never define the abilities of these children. A social protection scheme for children with disabilities is not a favor—it is their right, and it is our responsibility to invest in them, ensuring they have the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Tayebwa said.

He also stressed the need for accountability mechanisms to prevent the misuse of funds, particularly in rural areas where oversight can be a challenge. “Before this scheme is implemented, there must be safeguards in place to ensure that funds are directed specifically to support these children, rather than being misappropriated,” he cautioned.

Tayebwa reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to securing the necessary budget for the initiative and commended the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development for spearheading the program. He also applauded UNICEF Uganda for its efforts in organizing the dialogue, noting that continued discussions of this nature are critical to ensuring that no child with a disability is left behind.

The new Child Disability Benefit is expected to provide crucial assistance to families, enhancing the well-being and inclusion of children with disabilities across Uganda.