Local Governments and Social Protection for PWDs in Uganda: Opportunities and Challenges By KALANZI WILLIAM Makerere University, Uganda Tel:

Paper outline Introduction Research scope Methodology Key findings Policy implication

INTRODUCTION According to the 2006 Uganda National Policy on Disability, Local authorities are mandated to coordinate, supervise and mobilize resources for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), initiate and implement appropriate interventions among others. In order to support the above mandate, the central government provides a Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities (SGPWD) as a social safety net to ensure that PWDs establish income generating activities of their choice that can bolster their incomes, reduce inequality and unemployment.

Introduction Despite the above effort, it has been observed that the general socio-economic status of PWDs especially women and children with disabilities in Uganda is still poor. They have limited access to employment opportunities, minimal or no savings, low literacy levels, poor health and mainly rely on labor incomes.

introduction The concern of this paper was to establish the income generating opportunities created by the special grant for persons with disabilities using Wakiso District Local Government as a case study. The paper also aimed at identifying the challenges faced in the implementation of this social protection instrument and the strategies that can be adopted to improve the performance of local governments in the delivery of social protection services.

Research scope The study was conducted in Wakiso district in six selected associations of PWDs. These included: Nangabo sub-county Association of PWDs Abalema Tweyambe United Group Naluvule PWDs Group Lugo PWDS Development Grop Nangabo Parents Association of children with disabilities. Kalita Disabled women's network The study considered the period

Methodology This was an exploratory research that used a qualitative approach to data collection and analysis. A total of 50 key informants were selected through purposive sampling. The techniques of data collection included: Key informant interviews( district officials and members of associations of PWDs) Review of documents

KEY FINDINGS The special grant for PWDs is a national program that operates in all districts in Uganda. The government allocates Ushs. 3billion that is shared by all higher local governments. Funds are allocated through the District Special Grants Committee which is chaired by the Chief Administrative Officer(CAO)

OBJECTIVES OF THE SPECIAL GRANT FOR PWDs To aid PWDs to establish income generating activities for employment creation and improvement of incomes To provide seed capital for income generating activities

Activities supported by the Special Grant for PWDs as set in the National Guidelines(2011) Agricultural production Trade, micro and small scale businesses Environmental, cultural heritage and tourism Telecommunication Metal and wood work Apiary Horticulture Fisheries etc.

Grant Guiding Principles Group based grant Evidence of ability to utilize the grant Vulnerability reduction Gender equity promotion Disability balance

Category of Beneficiaries Groups/ associations of PWDs Parents’ Associations of children with disabilities Associations / groups of Albinos

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SPECIAL GRANT FOR PWDs IN WAKISO DISTRICT Wakiso district first received the special grant in the financial year 2009/2010 Several PWD groups have been given the grant after presenting the following requirements:  Constitution  Having at least 10 members who have paid membership fee  Certificate of registration  Letter to confirm their residence  Bank account  Project Proposal  The group should have been operational for at least one year

Distribution of the grant to PWD Groups in Wakiso District PWD Grants committee receives proposals from groups of PWDs. They vet the proposals and forward successful ones to the CAO for funding. Successful PWD groups receive the grant on a quarterly basis The categories of PWDs that have received the grant in Wakiso district were: physically disabled(80%), deaf(15%), blind(5%). Other categories that have not benefited include: leprosy, albinos, epilepsy, dumb etc (These are also recognized by the policy).

Participation of women and children with disabilities Women with disabilities have actively participated in the special grant projects e.g in groups like Naluvule PWD Group, Kalita Disabled women's network, and Nangabo Sub-county Association of PWDs. Children with disabilities benefit from the grant through associations of parents of children with disabilities and charity organizations such as Angels Centre for Children with Special Needs. However, no special consideration is given to the above categories in the allocation of the grant

Income generating activities set up in Wakiso district using the special grant Poultry keeping Candle making Functional hire services Piggery Tailoring Metal works Shoe repair

Challenges faced in the implementation of Special Grant activities in Wakiso District Limited funds given to PWD groups-less than ushs.2million Challenge of writing project proposals Limited skills to manage project activities Preference to share the small grant but not to have a single project Delay in the distribution of application forms to the sub-county

Challenges…..cont’d Group conflicts related to financial management Delay in the distribution of funds to successful groups. No formal meetings with the council for PWDs at sub-county. Demand for kickbacks by local government technical staff

Policy and Program implication There is need to increase the grant amount Allocate funds for training PWDs in project planning and management Policy change in the distribution funds- adoption of a model project in each sub- county Creating clear channels of communication All categories of PWDs should considered for the grant

Conclusion The special grant has to a smaller extent improved the standards of living of PWDs in Wakiso district. Strategies are therefore required to ensure sustainability of the grant supported activities in order to scale-up its impact.

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