PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES have been urged to work hard to improve their social welfare, harness their achievements and contribute to national development.

The call was made on Tuesday during the celebrations to mark this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Huye District.

Celebrated around the world, the Day is dedicated to highlight abilities and achievements of people living with disabilities and provides an opportunity to showcase their contributions to their respective communities. 

It also draws attention to issues that affect them.

The Day was marked under the theme, "Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all.”

Celebrations to mark the day featured an exhibition of produces by people with disabilities as well as entertainment, including dances, songs and drama, which highlighted achievements and challenges facing the fraternity.

Employers who facilitated Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) to easily access jobs in their institutions were also recognised by the National Council of People with Disabilities (NCPD).

They received trophies, certificates and medals. 

Nyanza, Nyarugenge, Huye and Kirehe districts were recognised during the ceremony.

Harnessing gains

Sports competitions as well as cultural fashion and modelling shows were also held during the week ahead of the celebrations.

Speaking at the celebrations, the Minister of State for Community Development and Social Affairs, Dr Alvera Mukabaramba, said people with disabilities have gone a long way in improving their livelihoods.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our objectives and strategies to achieve them,” Dr Mukabaramba said, adding that there is need to safeguard current achievements and keep moving forward.

The minister said policies have been formulated and laws enacted to facilitate people with disabilities and give them room to work toward better welfare and contribute to national building.

She said government will continue promoting the rights of people with disabilities.

"The government will continue to work toward eliminating the various causes of [physical] disabilities, including diseases and disasters, among others,” Mukabaramba said. "We shall continue extending our support to address challenges facing them.”

Winning over inability

Romaris Niyomugabo, the NCPD president, said people with disabilities are more than determined to work towards growth.

He said the contribution of disabled persons to national development is continuously materialising through their relentless efforts and participation in the various developmental programmes.

However, he said a lot of challenges are still affecting them, citing difficulties to access jobs, unfriendly facilities and expensive health services and equipment (prosthetic devices).

"We are coming up with strategies to respond to the challenges,” Niyomugabo said, thanking the government for "favourable and supportive policies.”

He said commitment to work is central to uplifting their welfare and called upon people with disabilities to embrace work as a tool towards improved welfare.

"Despite our disabilities, we should stand, work hard and actively contribute to building a strong nation,” Niyomugabo told fellow disabled people.

Celestin Rwamihigo, 73, who lost sight at the age of 43, shared experience of how he overcame barriers to succeed.

The resident of Kigoma Sector in Huye District said for the last 30 years he has struggled hard to improve his welfare and meet the basic needs of his family.

He said it required a lot of efforts to accept his new situation when he lost sight.

"I made sure I do not let my disability impact over my abilities. It takes one to work hard and remain committed to their targets to cope with such a challenging situation and eventually improve their welfare,” Rwamihigo said.