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From Left to Right (Back Row): Godfrey Nanyenya (MWF); Gorreti Byomwire (MWF); Amy Petersen, Public Engagement Officer, U.S. Mission, Kampala; Moses Amanya, Guild President, MUBS; Professor Moses Muhwezi, Principal, MUBS; Moses Serwadda (PFP); Nina Mago (PFP); Jeremiah Lwebuga (PFP); Harunah Damba (PFP); Amb. William W. Popp, Ambassador of the United States of America to Uganda; Dr. Dumba Saad (Fulbright Alumnus); Kato Chrysestom, Alumni Coordinator, U.S. Mission, Kampala; Tumusiime Denis (YALI Alumnus). Front row: Denis Ouma (PFP); and Josephine Namirimu (PFP)
The U.S. Exchange Disability Inclusion Alumni Network – Uganda, on July 26, 2024, hosted the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. William W. Popp, at a blind football match organized at Makerere University Business School under the theme ‘Empowering Inclusion Through Sports and Collaboration.’ During the event, members of the U.S. Exchange Disability Inclusion Alumni Network – Uganda presented a Virtual Map outlining their vision for the future of disability inclusion in Uganda and issued a call to action to the ambassador. The call to action included:
- Intentional Mainstreaming of Disability: We urge the U.S. Embassy to be deliberate in integrating disability considerations into all priority diplomatic areas. Disability rights are human rights, and mainstreaming these considerations is crucial for achieving equity and justice for all.
- Active Participation in Decision-Making: Youths with disabilities deserve a seat at the decision-making table. Their voices and perspectives are essential for shaping policies and initiatives that affect their lives. We call for the inclusion of youths with disabilities in all relevant discussions and decision-making processes.
- Employment Opportunities: Persons with disabilities in Uganda are educated, talented, and capable of contributing significantly to various sectors. We encourage the U.S. Embassy to lead by example by recruiting those qualified and demonstrating the value of inclusive employment practices.
- Access to Grants: Affirmative support for youths with disabilities in accessing grants is a critical move toward equity. Providing these opportunities will enable us to launch focused initiatives, support community development, and foster entrepreneurship, leading to broader societal benefits.
After the event, the U.S. Mission in Uganda tweeted, emphasizing the significance of inclusivity and accessibility in sports, highlighting blind football as an example. The Twitter post read:
“Did you know you can play football even if visually impaired? Today, U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp attended a blind football match @OfficialMubs to celebrate inclusivity in sports! Thanks to the U.S. Exchange Disability Inclusion Alumni Network – Uganda for promoting disability-inclusive development.”
