Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Uganda continue to face significant challenges, including limited access to skills training, unemployment, and exclusion from economic opportunities. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS 2024), about 5.5 million Ugandans (13.2%) live with disabilities, many of whom struggle to attain self-reliance due to these barriers.
In response to this, Twahirah Islamic Charity Organisation (TICO), in partnership with Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda, successfully conducted a two-day Entrepreneurship and Vocational Skills Training for 200 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on 10th–11th March 2026 at YOPDIDA Centre, Bukolooto in Kayunga District.
A total of 212 participants attended, including individuals with physical, hearing, visual, speech, and mental disabilities, as well as guardians and guides ensuring inclusive participation.
Participants were trained in business management skills such as bookkeeping, budgeting, customer care, and risk management, alongside practical vocational skills including cookery and bakery, liquid soap making, and book binding. These skills are aimed at enabling them to start small businesses and become self-reliant.
The training also linked participants to government empowerment programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), SACCOs, and district disability funds to enhance their access to startup capital.
Local leaders, including representatives from the RDC’s office and district technical offices, encouraged participants to take advantage of these opportunities and emphasized the importance of skills development in improving livelihoods.
At the end of the training, all participants were awarded certificates of participation, boosting their confidence and readiness to apply the skills acquired.
One participant, Mugenyi Martin, noted:
“We are privileged as Persons with Disabilities to be part of this training. Learning these skills is a big investment in ourselves… harvests are coming.”
Despite minor challenges, the training recorded a strong impact, with participants expressing renewed hope, confidence, and readiness to engage in income-generating activities.
TICO remains committed to empowering vulnerable communities through skills development, inclusion, and sustainable livelihood initiatives.
