About SDU
A community-driven movement advancing inclusion for persons with disabilities in Ntungamo District, Uganda.
Experience
That Shaped Leadership
Born deaf, Betty Kyogabirwe grew up navigating communication barriers, exclusion and limited access to opportunity. While many questioned her potential, her resilience and her mother's support shaped a different vision — one where disability does not define ability.
While studying at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, she connected with other students with disabilities and recognized a shared reality. That insight sparked a mission.
In 2019, she returned to Ntungamo and founded Support Disabled Uganda (SDU) — starting with no funding, but a clear purpose: to amplify voices, restore dignity and expand opportunity. Today, SDU has grown into a trusted organisation reaching thousands.
"At SDU, advocacy comes first — because without a voice, nothing else can follow."
Together, We Can Do More
Patron
Patron, Support Disabled Uganda
"The progress we have made with limited resources gives us hope for what is possible when more people come alongside us."
Uganda has made progress in promoting the rights and inclusion of persons living with disabilities, but many individuals and families, particularly in rural communities, still face barriers to education, healthcare, assistive devices, skills development, employment and sustainable livelihoods.
Support Disabled Uganda (SDU) has seen these realities firsthand. Our work has grown from conversations with communities and a desire to find practical ways of supporting people living with disabilities to live with greater dignity and independence.
With the little resources available to us, SDU has supported children to enrol in and remain in school, provided skills development opportunities, and linked persons with disabilities to opportunities that can improve their livelihoods. We have also supported financial empowerment through savings groups, helping individuals and families save, access small amounts of capital and strengthen their household incomes.
These interventions may appear small, but their impact is significant. We have seen people gain confidence, families become more resilient and persons with disabilities begin to see possibilities where previously there were few.
However, the reality is that the need is much greater than what SDU can currently respond to. Our work has so far largely focused on Ntungamo District, but the conversations we are having and the experiences we encounter tell us that these challenges are not limited to one district. There are many more people across Uganda who need support and opportunities.
We therefore hope to expand our reach beyond Ntungamo and build stronger partnerships with communities, government, businesses, development partners and individuals who believe in inclusive development.
I appeal to all those who can support this cause to partner with SDU. With more funding, technical support, resources and meaningful partnerships, we can do much more. We can keep more children in school, equip more people with skills, strengthen more household incomes and connect more persons with disabilities to opportunities that enable them to participate fully in their communities.
The progress we have made with limited resources gives us hope for what is possible when more people come alongside us.
Let us invest in the abilities, aspirations and potential of persons with disabilities and build communities where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.
My sincere appreciation goes to everyone who has supported SDU in the past. Your contribution has helped make this work possible. I invite you to continue walking with us as we seek to reach more people and create greater, lasting impact.
Together, we can do more.
About SDU
Support Disabled Uganda (SDU) is a community-driven organisation advancing inclusion for persons with disabilities in Ntungamo District. Founded in 2019, SDU delivers integrated programmes across education, livelihoods, health and advocacy — combining direct support with systems strengthening.
Mission, Vision & Values
Our Vision
A society where persons with disabilities have equal opportunities, dignity and the ability to lead fulfilling lives.
Our Mission
To improve quality of life through skills, knowledge and inclusive engagement.
Our Goal
To improve the well-being of disadvantaged persons with disabilities, orphans and other vulnerable children and adults within Ntungamo district and beyond.
Core Values
Empathy
Transparency
Accountability
Democracy
Integrity
What We Do
Inclusive Education
Access and success for learners with disabilities. SDU covers school fees, scholastic materials, and builds school capacity through teacher training and inclusive practices.
Livelihood Support
VSLA savings groups, piggery and livestock projects, financial literacy training, and seed funding — turning dependency into growing enterprise.
Health & Advocacy
Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) bridges communities and health facilities — ensuring patient voices, especially PWDs, are heard and acted upon.
Community Engagement
Sensitization campaigns, peer support networks, and family engagement to shift mindsets and reduce stigma around disability.
Capacity Building
Training individuals, community groups, and institutions to build systems that sustain inclusion long after SDU's direct involvement.
Our Team & Board
Betty Kyogabirwe
Executive Director & Founder
Born deaf, Betty founded SDU in 2019 after recognizing that her struggles were shared by countless others. A graduate of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, she leads SDU with lived experience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion.
Lazarus Owakubariho
Board Chairperson
Lazarus leads SDU's Board with active engagement in field activities and a deep commitment to accountability. He participates directly in community meetings and monitors SDU's interventions to ensure lasting impact.
Reagan Rwabambari
Board Member
A dedicated board member actively engaged in SDU's livelihood and community programs, supporting the organization's strategic direction.
Livingstone Nsabimana
Programs Officer
Livingstone is the community link that connects SDU to beneficiary groups across Ntungamo District, facilitating needs assessments and program implementation.
Ready to Build a More Inclusive World?
Partner with SDU and help scale proven, community-led models that transform lives.
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