Uganda Appeal
Disability Inclusion Project, Uganda
Empowering disabled children through sport in Uganda
urgent support is required
Helping children in Uganda to live life in all its fullness
Disabled children in rural Uganda can face many hardships. Where many families believe disability to be a curse, disabled children can be stigmatised, neglected and even abused. Many people with disabilities in Uganda face significant barriers to full participation in family and community life, and negative perceptions can sometimes lead to them being seen as a burden.
With over 1.28 million children living with disabilities (Uganda Census 2024) and only 9% attending primary school (Ugandan Government, 2017), change is desperately needed.
We are helping disabled children through a unique and innovative four-pronged approach; working with disabled children, their families, schools and communities. At the heart of the programme is sport as a tool for change – helping children flourish while showing families and communities their true potential.
We need to raise £330,000 over the next three years to support 80 schools and over 3,000 disabled children and their families. Please donate and partner with us and see what amazing things we can do together!
project overview
Our impact
Our impact since 2021:
2,407 disabled children have improved access and inclusion at school. 355 disabled children have been provided with medical support, 150 disabled children provided with mobility aids and, 1,868 disabled children with learning aids.
2,285 parents of disabled children reached with positive messaging about disability, and the families of 240 disabled children supported with improved income generation projects (farming, kiosks, other businesses).
192 teachers received ‘Plan2Inclusivise’ training developed in partnership with ‘UNESCO Chair in Inclusive PE Sport Recreation and Fitness’. 207 previously trained teachers provided with refresher training.
241 community leaders across the 3 districts, received knowledge on disability inclusion and awareness creation at school and community levels. 60 Church leaders and school chaplains were engaged to offer regular counselling & psychosocial support to disabled children and their care givers.
1
Families: We are helping families understand disability and to support disabled children better
2
Schools: We are helping schools improve their accessibility both in teaching and the physical accessibility within the school compound
3
Communities: We are raising awareness of disability and helping disabled children have a voice in their communities
the difference international needs uk can make
Can you help?
£10 trains a teacher for one day on disability inclusion through sports
£46 helps a school make local sports equipment (from local resources)
£76 helps one school participate in a disability inclusive sports festival
stories
Sport has multiple benefits: it both offers disabled children the physical benefits of movement and exercise, alongside developing their confidence and teamwork through active participation. Children make friends through sport and it can help breakdown social barriers.
Sport is also an effective way to raise awareness of what disabled people can do, thereby challenging negative mindsets. We have seen greater inclusion and active participation of disabled children through this work, in their classrooms, playing sports, at home, at church and in their communities.
How we spend your money
For every £1 you donate to this appeal, we will allocate 25p of your donation to cover general support and running costs. There is a small chance that we will raise more money than is needed for this appeal. If this happens, we'll spend any additional funds on other International Needs projects – wherever the need is greatest.
donateproject updates
October 10th, 2025
Our New Ambassador: Paralympian Amy Conroy!
A huge, warm welcome to Paralympian Amy Conroy as she joins us on this journey as our newest ambassador for the Disability Inclusion Project (DIP)!
Amy’s not only a four-time Paralympian and Team GB wheelchair basketball player, she’s also someone who deeply understands the power of sport to change lives.
Photo credits: AXA GYM – ParalympicsGB
After losing her leg to childhood cancer, Amy found confidence, purpose and belonging through sport and her Christian faith. Now, she’s bringing that same passion to help children with disabilities in Uganda experience the same joy of inclusion.
Amy smiles with Zoe (Communications Officer) and Ali (Head of Programmes and Fundraising)
“Sport gave me back my independence, and I believe God can use it to open doors for children everywhere,” Amy says. “I’m proud to stand with IN UK to raise the funds to ensure children with disabilities in Uganda have the same opportunity to play, to belong and to dream.”
In Uganda, disability is still widely misunderstood. Too often it is seen as a curse. Many children with disabilities are hidden away, without access to school, medical care or mobility aids. But change is possible.
A child smiles at a Sports Festival in Uganda, 2025
That’s where DIP, led by our partners International Needs Uganda, comes in. Through sport, awareness and community engagement, the project is transforming how children with disabilities are seen and supported. helping them flourish and showing families their true potential.
Over the next three years, the project will reach over 3,000 disabled children across four districts – Kayunga, Mukono, Jinja and Buikwe – through inclusive sports festivals, teacher training, parent support groups, and improved accessibility in schools and communities.
As Amy joins us, we’re already dreaming up creative (and very competitive!) ways to raise funds together. From this December’s Big Give Christmas Challenge to an ambitious Guinness World Record attempt in early 2026, it’s going to be an exciting journey.
Our goal is to raise £330,000 over the next three years, which will be funding life-changing work that’s helping children with disabilities in Uganda live life to the full.
Rev Canon Justus Miwanda, Executive Director of IN Uganda, says:
“For disabled children, especially in Africa, life can be incredibly tough. They are often isolated and denied opportunities. But in our generation, we can change that. Whether we build ramps, provide sports equipment or train teachers, these things bring dignity and hope. Let’s do whatever we can to help them flourish.”
Together, with Amy and supporters like you, we can help ensure no child is left on the sidelines.
To follow Amy’s journey with us and stay up to date on upcoming events, follow International Needs UK on Facebook, and @ineedsuk on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
October 23rd 2025