Kapchorwa, Uganda – Show Abilities Uganda, a youth-led organization advocating for disability inclusion, officially launched an Economic Empowerment Project on Thursday at Pacific Hotel in Kapchorwa District. The project aims to create an enabling environment where individuals with disabilities actively participate in decision-making at all levels.
Speaking at the launch, Cheptoek Betty, Executive Director of Show Abilities Uganda, emphasized the organization’s journey and its commitment to supporting young people with disabilities. Originally a youth wing within the National Union of Persons Living with Disabilities Uganda (NUPIDU), Show Abilities Uganda became an independent organization five years ago and has since expanded its reach across the country.
Over the years, the organization has implemented projects in various regions, including:
Northern Uganda: Lira and Oyam
Western Uganda: Mbarara and Bushenyi
Central Uganda: Greater Masaka
Eastern Uganda: Parts of Busoga and Bugisu
Kapchorwa has been fortunate to benefit from two key initiatives. In 2023, Show Abilities Uganda piloted a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) project in Gamogo, Cheptarich, and Kaserem, assessing access to healthcare, education, and community services for young people with disabilities. Following its success, the organization launched an Economic Empowerment Project in 2024, piloted in Kaserem, Amukol, and Central Division.
Building on past successes, the new project set to run from 2025 to 2027 seeks to foster greater economic independence for youth with disabilities. Betty highlighted the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, calling for support from religious leaders, opinion leaders, educators, community development officers (CDOs), parish chiefs, and local government leaders.
Betty, who has lived with a disability from childhood, spoke passionately about the persistent challenges that persons with disabilities face, including discrimination in education and lack of necessary learning resources such as wheelchairs, sign language interpreters, Braille materials, and inclusive teaching practices.
“We need concerted efforts to promote disability inclusion. Discrimination is real, and many young people are still struggling to access education and basic services,” she said.
The project launch gathered political and technical leaders who pledged their support to ensure a more inclusive society. By empowering youth with disabilities, Show Abilities Uganda envisions a future where they can take up leadership positions and influence decision-making at all levels.
“When we have an opportunity like this, we need to maximize it to its fullness,” Betty urged. “
That way, we can achieve an inclusive society where everybody is appreciated and included.”
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