Number of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Uganda

The major problem establishing number of disabled people in Uganda is the shortage of accurate information. Until recently data on disability was unreliable. The 2002 National Population and Housing Census and the National Household Survey now provide reliable information. The African Disability Rights Handbook 2014 answers the following questions:

What is the total number and percentage of women with disabilities in Uganda?The 2002 National Population and Housing Census does not provide segregated data on prevalence rates of disability amongst women. The same is true for the National Household Survey 2012.

Total percentages of PWDs for all Ugandans over the age of 5 years and over the age  of 2 years are reported, The number does not represent an accurate figure of the total number of PWDs in Uganda, see the 2014 National Census Main Report. 

The African Disability Rights Handbook 2014 continues

What is the total number and percentage of children with disabilities in Uganda?According to the 2002 Population and Housing Census, disability prevalence was at 2 per cent amongst children. The National Household Survey on the other hand does not provide an estimate on prevalence rates amongst children.

Tailor Oduguni Salongo working in his shop

What are the most prevalent forms of disability and/or peculiarities to disability in Uganda?According to the National Population and Housing Census the most frequently observed types of disability were:
• Loss/limited use of limbs (35 per cent) = 1,968.750 people
• Serious spine problems (22 per cent) = 1,237,500 people
• Hearing impairments (15 per cent) = 843,750 people
• Sight impairment (6.7 per cent) = 376,975 people
• Speech impairment (3.9 per cent) = 219,375 people
• Mental retardation (3.6 per cent) = 202,500 people
• Mental illness (3.6 per cent) = 202,500 people
• Other disabilities (9.6%) = 540,000 people

Note: The figures in italics are my own calculation. In 2014 16% of the total population were estimated to be PWDs. Therefore the 2014  population of PWDs in Uganda  was 5,625,000 people see Poverty and Disability in Uganda.

Based on my calculations the total number of PWDs with some kind of physical disability (loss/limited use of limbs + serious spine problems) is 57% of all PWDs or 3,306,150 people. This is almost 9% of the total population or 1 in 11 people.

It becomes clear that at least 1 in 11 people would benefit from ramp and lift access to buildings. Is it right to exclude so many people from society?