LITTLE PERSONS RAISE ALARM OVER GOVERNMENT GRANTS




By Kenneth Wamatoyi

Little people in Namayingo District have expressed their dissatisfaction with being left out of government programs like Emyooga, GROW, and PDM, among others. During an engagement meeting between little persons and PWD leaders at the Namayingo District Council Hall, they voiced their concerns about being isolated when it comes to benefiting from government-funded programs, despite being Ugandans.

"They say because we are short, I have never received any money, either for PDM, Emyooga, or the PWDs grant," said Alice Nelima. "We are not seen, and whenever we try to join some groups, we are left out. When we try to get the PDM money, they tell us that if we get it, we must return it with 10% interest."

Bwire David, the District Councilor for PWDs, confirmed the issue but added that they have started engaging leaders to make it clear that little persons are part of the disabled community and, therefore, deserve to benefit from any disability funds and grants. He called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure they benefit from these programs.

The Woman MP for Namayingo District, Margaret Makhoha, stated that people with disabilities have special government grants with no interest rates, as per the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development. She clarified that all grants, including PDM, Emyooga, and others, are meant for the general population, not just individuals, as some may claim. She encouraged them to report any cases of isolation to the authorities, such as the RDC or CAO, for follow-up, rather than remaining silent within their families, as such practices will not end unless addressed.

She further urged PWDs not to neglect themselves but to form groups and benefit from the PDM funds and Emyooga programs. She emphasized that there is a 10% allocation for PWDs in every SACCO and encouraged them to join these groups to access the grants.

According to the RDC of Namayingo District, Kwesiga Eva, she confirmed that such issues exist, as she was invited to the meeting. She acknowledged that most of the little persons haven't benefited from the programs but assured that efforts are being made to streamline the process, and everything will be addressed under the new management.

 

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