How one woman's lived experience became a district-wide push for inclusion
Betty Kyogabirwe was born deaf, and knew exclusion first-hand. In 2019 she turned that experience into a movement for persons with disabilities in Ntungamo.
Betty Kyogabirwe, born deaf, knows exclusion intimately. Growing up in a hearing community, she faced daily barriers — especially in education, where communication gaps often left her isolated. Many doubted her potential, but her mother's unwavering support instilled resilience and the belief that disability should never define one's value.
While studying at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Kyogabirwe met fellow students with disabilities and realized that her struggles were shared by countless others. That insight sparked a vision: to create a platform that would give persons with disabilities a voice, restore dignity, and open pathways to opportunity.
In 2019, Kyogabirwe returned to Ntungamo and founded Support Disabled Uganda (SDU). With no funding and limited resources, she began engaging district leaders, including the Community Development Officer, who connected her to families, local leaders, and communities.
Over five years, SDU has directly reached more than 800 individuals with disabilities and impacted over 10,000 community members indirectly. Children with disabilities now attend school; households are generating income through piggery and VSLA initiatives; and community attitudes are shifting.
"At SDU, advocacy comes first — because without a voice, nothing else can follow." — Betty Kyogabirwe