Over the last couple of months, TAHI with support from the HIVOS Regional SRHR Fund, has continued to champion the rights of young persons with disabilities through the M-Voices Project. Working across Kampala, Mukono and Wakiso districts, the project has focused on promoting disability-inclusive health services, strengthening youth participation in policy processes, and advancing disability rights at national and regional levels.
Building Inclusive Health Systems
One of the project’s major achievements has been improving the capacity of health workers to provide disability-inclusive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services.
TAHI successfully trained 60 health workers from health facilities in Kampala, Mukono and Wakiso on disability-inclusive service delivery. The trainings, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health, equipped participants with practical skills in respectful communication, disability screening, basic sign language, and the use of disability-inclusive service guidelines
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As a result, several health facilities have begun implementing inclusive practices. Mende Health Centre III established a dedicated service space for persons with disabilities, while other facilities committed to improving physical accessibility and prioritizing persons with disabilities during service delivery. Find here link to ministry of health official speaking about our strategic collaboration
Giving Young People a Voice Through Digital Advocacy
To amplify the voices of young persons with disabilities, TAHI launched the M-Voices Inclusive Podcast, a youth-led digital platform that discusses disability inclusion, SRHR, leadership and policy issues.
To date, more than 15 podcast episodes featuring young persons with disabilities, government officials, health workers, disability advocates and sign language interpreters have been produced and shared through YouTube, TikTok and other social media platforms. The podcast is increasing public awareness, challenging stigma and creating important conversations around the rights of young persons with disabilities.
Link to You tube Channel. Tap here
Influencing Policies and Public Investment
TAHI continued to strengthen the participation of young persons with disabilities in policy formulation and decision-making spaces.
The organisation is actively participating in Ministry of Health Technical Working Group meetings on Adolescent Health while supporting young persons with disabilities to engage in these national platforms. TAHI also participated in district budget conferences, advocating for increased investment in disability-inclusive programming.
Key Outcome
Our Advocacy efforts have contributed to an increase in Gender and Disability budget allocations across the targeted districts, demonstrating growing government commitment towards disability inclusion and equitable service delivery.
Driving Regional Disability Rights
Beyond Uganda, TAHI played a leading role in advancing disability rights across East Africa.
The organisation convened a high-level consultative dialogue bringing together Members of Parliament, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) representatives, disability organisations and technical experts to strengthen the East African Community Persons with Disabilities Bill.
Check out our Policy brief here
The meeting generated practical recommendations to improve accessibility, accountability and implementation of the Bill. Stakeholders committed to continued advocacy to ensure the legislation is passed before the end of 2026, creating stronger legal protection for persons with disabilities across the region. Link to National TV covering of the EAC event; https://x.com/ubctvuganda/status/2050502565876392156?s=46
Climate Action Meets Disability Inclusion
Recognising that disability inclusion extends beyond health, TAHI organised a climate action and financial literacy outreach at Ntinda School for the Deaf.
The activity promoted environmental conservation through the donation and planting of over 30 trees, while learners also received financial literacy training to strengthen economic resilience and informed decision-making. The activity further benefited from regional learning through participation by representatives from Malawi under the HIVOS Regional SRHR Fund exchange programme.
Success Story: From Advocacy Training to National Leadership
One of the most inspiring achievements this year is the story of a young Deaf advocate supported through the M-Voices Project.
After participating in TAHI’s leadership and policy advocacy initiatives, the young advocate was appointed to Uganda’s Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) and selected to serve on the Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 (GC8) proposal writing team. In this national role, he now represents the voices and priorities of young persons with disabilities in shaping Uganda’s HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria investments.
His journey demonstrates how meaningful participation, mentorship and investment in young leaders can transform individual lives while ensuring disability inclusion is reflected in national policy and development processes.
Looking Ahead
TAHI remains committed to strengthening disability-inclusive health systems, empowering young persons with disabilities to influence decisions that affect their lives, and advancing policies that uphold equal rights across Uganda and the East African region. As implementation continues, the M-Voices Project will build on these achievements to create more inclusive communities where every young person can fully realise their sexual and reproductive health and rights.