The public has been urged to engage people living with disabilities in various daily activities.

Rwamagana District vice mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Yvonne Muhongerwa, made the call, adding that the Government aims at promoting inclusion of disabled people in communities.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the International Day of Persons living with Disabilities on Sunday, Muhongerwa said this would help them lead a fulfilling life.

 Today’s theme, ‘A Day for All,’ aims to ensure that no one is left behind…As we move to increase the number of active disabled people, we need to understand more about disabled people’s lives. Everyone has individual motivations and different people influence our behaviour,” she said.

The day saw mass distribution of wheelchairs to the disabled persons.

At least over 100 people received the wheelchairs.

"We are looking to improve mobility of people with disabilities, which will encourage more to lead active lives. We have to make sure that the minority group doesn’t face any barriers in key aspects of society, including discrimination and stigma,” Muhongerwa said.

A number of people with disabilities expressed happiness, as they thanked the Government for the donation.

Meanwhile, a newly revitalised rehabilitation centre, "Centre de Réadaptation Fonctionnelle (CRF)” at Gahini District Hospital has stepped up efforts aimed at helping hundreds of disabled people.

Speaking at the celebrations to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Gahini Sector, Kayonza District, Gerald Ruburika, an administrator at the hospital said the centre offers a wide range of rehabilitation services that include; physiotherapy, occupational therapy, orthopedic surgery and orthopedic technology to assist people with disabilities.

Ruburika said Gahini Rehabilitation Centre was in the process of being a referral centre to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation services to people with disabilities.

"Our centre used the occasion to show how their services have helped restore life and hope among some families and individuals. We call on more people to join us. We have outreach activities (community based)… and we are also in the process of starting a wheelchair service and a psycho-social department,” he said.