Association of Refugees with Disability- ARD Uganda

18/08/2026

Empowering Refugees with Disabilities Through Localization and Self-Advocacy

Today, we began a 10-day training for refugees with disabilities in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, focusing on rights, unemployment and livelihood opportunities, self-advocacy, financial literacy, and pathways towards self-reliance.

The training is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to identify and take advantage of opportunities, advocate for their own rights and those of fellow refugees with disabilities, and challenge harmful stereotypes surrounding disability within refugee communities.

One powerful reflection from today’s session stood out:

“We feel more comfortable when persons with disabilities like us come and talk to us. We feel encouraged and open to share our experiences because we understand that we share the same stories.”

This is a strong reminder that localization matters. Refugees with disabilities understand their realities, priorities, barriers, and aspirations. When they are meaningfully involved in designing and delivering solutions, communication becomes easier, trust is strengthened, and interventions become more relevant.

We must therefore work hand in hand with refugee-led organizations of persons with disabilities and ensure that their voices are not only heard but are part of decision-making and implementation.

Localization is not just about working in communities—it is about shifting power to the people who understand those communities best.

Let us continue working together to ensure that no refugee with a disability is left behind.

27/07/2026

Today, the Association of Refugees with Disability (ARD) Uganda, in partnership with the Refugee-Led Organization Network (RELON) Kenya and the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), hosted Family Reunification Information Sessions, case documentation, and reassessment of previously received cases at the ARD office in Kampala.

The exercise aims to provide refugees with accurate information on family reunification pathways, support documentation of eligible cases, and review previously submitted cases to ensure they receive appropriate follow-up. Particular attention is being given to ensuring that refugees with disabilities can access these services on an equal basis with others.

ARD remains committed to advancing the rights, protection, and inclusion of refugees with disabilities by working collaboratively with partners to improve access to justice, legal information, and durable solutions.

We sincerely appreciate our partners, RELON Kenya and IRAP, for their continued collaboration and commitment to strengthening refugee protection.

20/06/2026

WORLD REFUGEE DAY 2026
Until Everyone Is Safe: Why Refugees with Disabilities Must Not Be Left Behind
By Muombamungu James
Executive Director, Association of Refugees with Disability (ARD), Uganda
20 June 2026
As the world commemorates World Refugee Day 2026 under the theme “Until Everyone Is Safe,” we are reminded that safety is not simply the absence of conflict. Safety means having access to protection, healthcare, education, livelihoods, justice, information, and the opportunity to participate fully in society. It means living with dignity and hope.
For refugees with disabilities, however, safety often remains out of reach.
This year’s theme is particularly significant as the world marks the 75th Anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, a landmark commitment to protecting people forced to flee their homes due to persecution, violence, and conflict. While much progress has been made over the past seventy-five years, refugees with disabilities continue to face unique and often overlooked barriers that prevent them from enjoying the same rights and opportunities as others.
The question we must ask ourselves today is simple:
Can we truly say that everyone is safe when refugees with disabilities continue to be excluded from humanitarian assistance, education, healthcare, employment, and decision-making processes?
The answer is no.
For many refugees with disabilities, displacement creates a double burden. They face the challenges associated with being refugees while simultaneously confronting barriers related to disability. These barriers include inaccessible services, discrimination, stigma, lack of assistive devices, limited access to information, and inadequate participation in community life.
In refugee settlements and urban refugee settings across Uganda and beyond, many refugees with disabilities struggle to access health facilities because of long distances and inaccessible infrastructure. Children with disabilities are more likely to be out of school due to a lack of inclusive learning environments and specialized support services. Women and girls with disabilities face heightened risks of violence, abuse, and exploitation. Many refugees with disabilities remain unemployed because livelihood programs are not designed to accommodate their diverse needs.
These realities raise an important concern: if people cannot access the very services intended to protect them, can they truly be considered safe?
The theme “Until Everyone Is Safe” therefore carries a powerful message for governments, humanitarian agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations. It calls for a renewed commitment to disability-inclusive refugee responses.
Safety must be inclusive.
Protection systems must identify and respond to the specific risks faced by refugees with disabilities. Humanitarian services must be physically, socially, and economically accessible. Information must be available in formats that everyone can understand and use, including sign language, Braille, easy-to-read materials, and other accessible communication methods.
Most importantly, refugees with disabilities must be recognized not merely as beneficiaries of assistance but as leaders, advocates, and agents of change.
The global commitment to “leave no one behind” cannot be achieved while refugees with disabilities remain invisible in policy discussions, humanitarian planning, and resource allocation. Inclusion is not charity. Inclusion is a human right.
As we celebrate World Refugee Day, we call upon governments and humanitarian actors to strengthen disability-inclusive policies and ensure meaningful participation of refugees with disabilities in all decisions affecting their lives.
We call upon donors to increase investment in disability-inclusive humanitarian programming and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
We call upon communities to challenge stigma and discrimination and embrace diversity as a strength.
We call upon international organizations to ensure that disability inclusion becomes a core component of refugee protection rather than an afterthought.
Most importantly, we call upon the world to listen to the voices of refugees with disabilities themselves, Because until everyone is safe, no one is truly safe.using the attached format of the press release, design for me one for ARD and use ARD logo
Their experiences matter.
Their rights matter.
Their contributions matter.
The true measure of safety is not how well the majority is protected but how effectively the most vulnerable members of society are included and empowered.
As we commemorate World Refugee Day 2026, let us remember that safety is not complete when only some people are protected. Safety is complete when every refugee—including refugees with disabilities—can live free from fear, access opportunities, participate equally, and pursue their aspirations with dignity.
The promise of the 1951 Refugee Convention and the spirit of this year’s theme demand nothing less.
Until refugees with disabilities are safe, included, and empowered, our work remains unfinished.
Because “Until Everyone Is Safe” means everyone—including refugees with disabilities.
Muombamungu James
Executive Director
Association of Refugees with Disability (ARD) – Uganda.

05/05/2026

Continuity of Care for Refugees with Disabilities in the Context of Reduced Humanitarian Funding and Ongoing Humanitarian Crises

In many humanitarian settings, health systems continue to operate under significant pressure due to reduced funding and ongoing humanitarian crises. Within this context, access to essential medicines and the continuity of care remain important concerns for vulnerable groups, including refugees with disabilities.

In some situations, individuals may receive medical consultation and prescriptions but are required to access medicines externally to complete their treatment. For refugees with disabilities, this can create additional barriers, including financial strain, mobility challenges, and delays in receiving timely care.

These realities are reflected in the lived experiences of refugees with disabilities, as evidenced in the attached video shared alongside this message.

Such testimonies highlight the broader systemic pressures within humanitarian health responses and the importance of understanding access to healthcare as a full continuum of care—from consultation to treatment completion.

Strengthening inclusive health responses requires continued attention to ensure that services remain accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all, particularly those at heightened risk of exclusion.

At the center of this is a shared commitment to dignity, equity, and inclusion in humanitarian health systems, even in contexts of constrained resources.

01/04/2026

Today at the Parliament of Uganda, ARD had the honour of contributing to two critical policy engagements through position papers presented by the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda, alongside the Association of Refugees with Disability(ARD) and other Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).

We presented a position paper to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) Committee highlighting key gaps in social protection and livelihood programmes, particularly the Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities.

A major concern I raised was the requirement of a National ID in order to benefit from special grants, which continues to exclude refugees with disabilities from accessing the grant and other government programmes such as PDM and Emyooga.

This practice is inconsistent with Uganda’s legal and policy frameworks, including:
• The Refugees Act 2006 (Section 29) which guarantees refugees access to social services on par with nationals, except in political participation
• The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 (Article 21) on equality and non-discrimination
• The Uganda Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework which promotes inclusion of refugees in national systems

Key Call to Action:
The Ministry should provide clear guidance on alternative identification documents that refugees with disabilities can use to access the Special Grant and other government programmes, ensuring no one is left behind.

A second position paper was presented to the Gender Parliamentary Committee focusing on inclusive education under the Ministry of Education and Sports.

Among several gaps, a critical issue raised by ARD was the classification of refugees including those with disabilities as international students by universities, subjecting them to prohibitively high tuition fees.

This contradicts:
• The Refugees Act 2006 (Section 29) on equal access to public services
• The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 (Articles 21 & 30) on equality and the right to education

Key Recommendation:
The Ministry of Education should engage universities to recognize refugees, including those with disabilities, as residents entitled to equitable access, not international students.

Moving Forward

Uganda has one of the most progressive refugee frameworks globally. The priority now is implementation, ensuring that laws, policies, and programmes translate into real, inclusive opportunities for refugees with disabilities.

Inclusion is not charity, it is a legal obligation and a development imperative.

30/03/2026

BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS TO ACCESSING HUMANITARIAN SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN KYAKA II REFUGEE SETTLEMENT
The Association of Refugees with Disability (ARD) is proud to share findings from a recent assessment exploring the lived realities of persons with disabilities in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement.
This report highlights a critical reality: while humanitarian services exist across sectors such as health, WASH, food assistance, education, protection, and livelihoods, access for persons with disabilities remains deeply unequal.
Through direct engagement with women, men, and youth with disabilities, as well as service providers and community leaders, the study reveals that barriers are not isolated. They are interconnected and reinforcing. Long distances, inaccessible terrain, and disability-unfriendly infrastructure limit mobility. Economic constraints such as transport costs and medical expenses make “free” services unaffordable. Institutional challenges including long queues, limited staffing, and weak referral systems further exclude those most in need. Communication gaps and stigma continue to undermine dignity and participation.
Yet, the report also points to hope and practical solutions.
Community structures, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), Village Health Teams, and committed frontline staff are already making a difference. Assistive devices, outreach services, and inclusive practices demonstrate that meaningful change is possible, even in resource-constrained settings.
What is clear is this: disability inclusion cannot remain optional or dependent on individual goodwill. It must be embedded as a standard across all humanitarian programming.
This report provides actionable recommendations for immediate and long-term change, calling on humanitarian actors, government stakeholders, and partners to strengthen accessibility, accountability, and inclusive service delivery systems.
We invite partners, practitioners, and advocates to engage with these findings and join us in advancing inclusive, dignified, and equitable humanitarian responses.
The link to the downloadable full report can be found here: https://ardofuganda.org/wp/uncategorized/barriers-and-facilitators-to-accessing-humanitarian-services-for-persons-with-disabilities-in-kyaka-ii-refugee-settlement/

Report by: Association of Refugees with Disability ARD.

30Mar 2026 by james No Comments The Association of Refugees with Disability (ARD) is proud to share findings from a recent assessment exploring the lived realities of persons with disabilities in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement.This report highlights a critical reality: while humanitarian services exist...

21/03/2026

IMPACT OF FUNDING CUTS – ON REFUGEES WITH DISABILITIES IN KYAKA II REFUGEE SETTLEMENT

Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, Kyegegwa District — A newly released report by the Association of Refugees with Disabilities (ARD) has brought renewed attention to the disproportionate impact of humanitarian funding cuts on refugees with disabilities, highlighting a widening gap between service availability and actual access.
Titled “Impact of Funding Cuts on Refugees with Disabilities in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement”, the report presents evidence from a household survey and key informant interviews, revealing systemic reductions across essential sectors, including food assistance, healthcare, education, WASH, and protection services.
The findings indicate that while services continue to exist within the settlement, their accessibility has significantly declined, particularly for refugees with disabilities. Reduced transport support, limited availability of assistive devices, declining outreach services, and staffing constraints have collectively made it increasingly difficult for vulnerable populations to access critical assistance.
According to the report, a substantial proportion of households are experiencing worsening food insecurity, with many reducing daily meals. Access to healthcare has also deteriorated, with most respondents reporting difficulty in obtaining essential services, including treatment for chronic conditions and rehabilitation support.
The report further highlights emerging protection concerns, including increased perceptions of insecurity, heightened psychosocial stress, and the adoption of negative coping mechanisms such as borrowing, asset depletion, and school withdrawal among children with disabilities.
Importantly, the findings underscore that funding reductions have not affected all populations equally. Refugees with disabilities, who often rely on additional support systems to access services, are facing compounded challenges as these enabling mechanisms are scaled back.
Stakeholders interviewed in the assessment emphasized that interventions such as outreach services, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and transport support are not supplementary, but essential components of inclusive humanitarian response.
The report calls for urgent, coordinated action from government, donors, and humanitarian partners to prioritise disability-inclusive programming, protect essential services, and ensure that resource constraints do not further marginalise already at-risk populations.
A complementary video documenting lived experiences within the settlement provides additional context to the report’s findings and amplifies the voices of affected individuals.
🎥 Watch here:
https://youtu.be/9cvyV5JB1b4?si=lhWnEM4abbQODF3d
For a comprehensive analysis, including detailed data, sector-specific findings, and evidence-based recommendations, readers are encouraged to consult the full publication:
“Impact of Funding Cuts on Refugees with Disabilities in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement”
📄 The complete report is available for download in PDF format here: https://ardofuganda.org/wp/uncategorized/impact-of-funding-cuts-on-refugees-with-disabilities-in-kyaka-ii-refugee-settlement/

This video highlights the consequences of funding cuts on refugees with disabilities living in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement in Uganda, focusing on how reduced...

20/03/2026

Eid Mubarak 🌙✨
Wishing you and your loved ones peace, joy, and blessings this Eid al-Fitr.

29/01/2026

Today, the Association of Refugees with Disability (ARD) held its Annual General Assembly for the Financial Year 2025 at Pearl Highway Hotel, Kampala. The meeting provided an important platform to celebrate our achievements, review our progress, and plan for the future.

As we reflect on the past year, our commitment to advocating for refugees with disabilities and promoting inclusive programming remains stronger than ever. We thank our members, partners, and stakeholders for their continued support in advancing disability rights and ensuring that no one is left behind in humanitarian and development initiatives.

Together, we continue to push for a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable future for all refugees with disabilities.

28/01/2026

Happy Birthday to our Founder, Faustin Ntibategera, a true visionary and transformational leader. Your bold vision and selfless commitment to advancing the rights, dignity, and inclusion of refugees with disabilities continue to shape lives and create lasting impact. The foundation you laid still guides our work today, empowering refugees with disabilities to be seen, heard, and included in humanitarian response and development.

We deeply appreciate your leadership, wisdom, and the values you instilled—values that continue to inspire hope, resilience, and meaningful change across communities. As you celebrate another year, we honor your legacy and the powerful vision that continues to uplift refugees with disabilities. Wishing you good health, continued strength, and abundant blessings in the years ahead. 🎉🎂🙏