Tayebwa calls for more funds towards National Child Disability Benefit

Kampala, Uganda:– Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, has urged the government to allocate more funds towards Uganda’s forthcoming National Child Disability Benefit, arguing that the proposed Shs3 billion is insufficient to meet the needs of children with disabilities and their families.

Speaking at the National Child Benefit High-Level Dialogue Meeting held at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Tayebwa stressed that disability support is a right, not a privilege, and called for an initial allocation of at least Shs10 billion to make a meaningful impact.

“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.

While commending the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development for its efforts in supporting vulnerable groups, Tayebwa warned against the potential misuse of funds by irresponsible parents. “This money should improve the welfare of children, not serve as compensation for parents,” he cautioned.

The dialogue, themed “Towards Inclusive Social Protection: Exploring a Child Disability Benefit for Uganda,” brought together government officials, legislators, and development partners, including UNICEF, to discuss the establishment of a national support program for families raising children with disabilities.

Gender Minister Betty Amongi underscored the financial struggles faced by such families, revealing that 50 percent of them 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.

Amongi also highlighted the gendered impact of caregiving, noting that many fathers abandon mothers of disabled children, leaving them to bear the burden alone.

The Minister of State for Gender (Disability Affairs), Hon Hellen Asamo, called for a shift in societal attitudes, sharing her personal experiences of being denied equal opportunities due to her 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 further warned against overprotection and exclusion, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies that empower children with disabilities rather than isolating them.

Aggrey Kibenge, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to disability inclusion, stating that regular cash transfers to families will be a core component of the benefit.

At the same function, UNICEF Country Representative Robin Nandy praised Uganda’s social protection efforts, highlighting 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 programmes. Parliament, through the Deputy Speaker and attending MPs, pledged full support to ensure children with disabilities receive the care and assistance they need.