Tears welled in his eyes as Mr Tonny Bayiiza, the chairperson for Persons with Disabilities in Kalule-Bombo, recounted the silent suffering of girls with disabilities preyed upon by able-bodied men under the cover of darkness. The emotional moment unfolded on Sunday as Ramadhan Foundation, a non-profit organisation supporting vulnerable groups, delivered household relief and financial support to a traditional birth attendant living with disability in Luweero District.
‘There are still some able-bodied men who use girls with disabilities. They impregnate them and run away. When you ask the girl who is responsible, she does not know because the man only comes at night,’ Mr Bayiiza said painfully. He added that he has repeatedly warned young women against men who appear only in the darkness. ‘I told my councillor that a man who seeks a relationship with you at night should not be welcomed. If you truly love a disabled woman, come during the day and introduce yourself,’ he said.
Mr Bayiiza also highlighted the daily struggles disability leaders face while executing their duties. ‘Some of my colleagues crawl to reach communities, others rely on crutches, wheelchairs, or borrowed transport. We face many challenges during our work. Support like wheelchairs, crutches, glasses, and mobility canes would make a huge difference, especially for those deep in the villages,’ he said. He urged parents to stop hiding disabled children out of shame.
‘Take them to school. One day, they can become important people, even ministers. My parents once said I didn’t understand anything, but today they seek advice from me,’ he said.
Among the beneficiaries was Ms Nusula Nanyanzi, the Luweero District Woman Councillor for Persons with Disabilities. Born disabled alongside her late brother, she credits her resilience to her father’s encouragement. ‘He always told us that we would be powerful people even if we were disabled. I am in a wheelchair, but there is nothing I cannot do because my brain functions well,’ she said. A mother of three and a traditional birth attendant, Ms Nanyanzi detailed the harsh realities of her work.
‘Transport is my biggest problem. Sometimes I have to hire expensive transport to refer expectant mothers with complications. I also lack sterile tools, gloves, and disinfectants, yet my people need me,’ she said. She expressed gratitude for the support received-household items, clothes, mama kits, shoes, and financial aid for her small shop. ‘If possible, the Ramadhan Foundation can even lobby for us to have a car. We shall serve our people better,’ she said. Mr Moses Kibirige Ssebunya, the founder and CEO of Ramadhan Foundation, said the organisation collects aid from community members and redistributes it to those in need.
‘You may find people with items they no longer use-clothes, household goods-but these things can change someone’s life. We collect donations and give them directly to the needy,’ he explained.
He condemned those who exploit disabled children for profit. ‘Some people make children beg in town every day and take the money themselves. Even if you give them clothes, they won’t wear them because they want to appear miserable,’ he said. Mr Ssebunya emphasised that supporting individuals directly in their homes ensures help reaches the rightful beneficiaries. ‘We came today because we identified Ms Nanyanzi, a hardworking mother living with disability who supports many others. You help one hand, and that hand helps another. That is how communities grow,’ he said.