ABSTRACT
Uganda is a country with an estimated 22 million
people, 88% live in rural areas (Ugandan Bureau of
Statistics 2002) and 5.8% (over 1 million) are esti-
mated to have some form of disability (MGLSD
2002) As a signatory to the United Nations Stan-
dard Rules for the Equalization of Opportunities
for People with Disabilities (UN 1994) and the
World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled
Persons (UN 1993), the Government of Uganda
has made efforts to improve the inclusion of dis-
abled people in mainstream society (main-
streaming) and establish national community-
based rehabilitation (CBR) programmes,
throughout the country. Mainstreaming disability
is reflected in a number of policies and strategies
in Uganda, which include the introduction of
inclusive education practices within the Universal
Primary Education programmes, the appointment
of a Minister of State for disability, five disabled
members of parliament, and 47 000 disabled coun-
cillors at district and sub-county levels.
