Association of Refugees with Disability- ARD Uganda

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. 🎉🎂🙏

10/12/2025

ARD in commemoration of the IDPD

10/12/2025

Today, the Association of Refugees with Disability (ARD) proudly led the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), observed globally on 3 December.
Under the theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” the event brought together communities and partners to reflect on how we can build societies where every person is valued, included, and empowered.

James Muombamungu, ARD’s Executive Director, opened the celebration with a powerful message on the importance of self-belief. He reminded everyone that persons with disabilities are fully capable and deserve recognition for their strengths and contributions.
He also called upon the Government of Uganda to ensure that refugees with disabilities are intentionally included in all government programs, noting that this is essential if the country is to fully meet its Global Disability Summit (GDS) commitments and avoid leaving refugees with disabilities behind.

The National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) emphasised the need for stronger and better-coordinated support for persons with disabilities, including refugees. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring access to essential services and encouraged communities to participate in disability networks, noting their presence in every district across Uganda.

ARD was honoured to host partners including the Office of the Prime Minister Uganda, NUDIPU Uganda, NRC, YARID Uganda, and the Rubaga Division Town Clerk, all of whom joined us in marking this important day.
Testimonies from persons with disabilities added depth and meaning to the event, reminding us of the resilience and potential within our communities.

To conclude the celebration, ARD shared Christmas gifts with all persons with disabilities in attendance—a gesture of appreciation, unity, and hope.

Today, and every day, ARD reaffirms its commitment to advancing disability rights and creating inclusive spaces where persons with disabilities—especially refugees—can learn, participate, and be heard. Together, we continue building a society that leaves no one behind.

01/10/2025

:

🌍 International Day of Older Persons – October 1st

Today, we honor and celebrate the wisdom, resilience, and contributions of older persons in our communities, including refugees with disabilities. 🙏

At ARD, we believe in building inclusive spaces where elderly persons are valued, respected, and supported to live with dignity. Their voices matter, and their experiences guide us toward a more compassionate and just society. 💙

Let us continue to stand together for the rights, protection, and well-being of older persons everywhere.

01/10/2025

📘 Facebook

We are excited to release our first ARD Newsletter! 🎉
From inclusive employment reviews in Kyaka II and Kyangwali, to awareness campaigns on REF FM and Britop Radio, and our participation in the Global Disability Summit commitments launch in Uganda—this edition highlights our work in advancing the rights and livelihoods of refugees with disabilities.

👉 Read more inside and join us in breaking barriers together

30Sep 2025 by admin 1 Comment Welcome to ARD’s first newsletter! This edition highlights our journey from field activities in Kyaka II and Kyangwali to global advocacy platforms. Inside, you’ll find stories on: Inclusive livelihood reviews and community feedback. Accessibility challenges and sol...

18/09/2025

📢 ARD at the Launch of Uganda’s Global Disability Summit Commitments 2025

The Association of Refugees with Disability (ARD) proudly joined stakeholders at the Breakfast Meeting to Launch Uganda’s 2025 Global Disability Summit (GDS) Commitments, hosted by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in collaboration with , with support from .

Our Executive Director, James, represented ARD at this national event at Mestil Hotel, Kampala.

Uganda reaffirmed its disability inclusion commitments in areas such as:
✅ Nothing About Us Without Us
✅ Human Rights & Implementation
✅ National Ownership & Inclusive Development
✅ Bridging the Gap
✅ Data & Evidence

At ARD, we believe refugees with disabilities must remain at the center of these commitments. Together, we can achieve a truly inclusive Uganda. 💪✨