PWDs in Teso form cooperative union to boost livelihoods
SOROTI, March 20, 2025 – Persons living with disabilities [PWDs] in the Teso Subregion have come together to form a cooperative union with the aim to save and borrow to invest in income generating projects.
The cooperative, named the Teso PWDs Cooperative Union, currently has approximately 150 members, each contributing a registration fee of just Shs 10,000.
Benjamin Okolimong, the Board Chair, stated that the cooperative union will serve as a platform to lobby for support from various stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations [NGOs] and the government, to help PWDs establish income-generating projects.
“Already, over 100 members have shown interest, and I encourage PWDs across the entire Teso Subregion to join this cooperative union. It is through this cooperative that we will be able to access support from different stakeholders and well-wishers,” Okolimong explained.
He noted that many PWDs in Teso are struggling with poverty, to the extent that most have not been able to attain an education or access medical care. Sadly, some PWDs spend entire days at home without engagement.
“We want to change the mindset of these people [PWDs], showing them that they are needed in society and that they can engage in business just like anyone else,” Okolimong emphasised.
Martine Opolot, the Director of the cooperative union, highlighted that through the cooperative, members will be able to generate ideas collectively and create a way forward. He explained that the cooperative aims to break down barriers among PWDs in Teso and bring essential services closer to them.
John Robert Eudu, the mobiliser for PWDs in Serere District, said that some of his colleagues are interested in doing business and have expressed the need for a cassava processing plant.
Edmond Erimu, another PWD, shared that there is a need for a specialised health facility to make it easier for PWDs to access medical care. “When we go to the hospital, it’s really difficult for a PWD to access medical care as easily as those who are not disabled,” Erimu said.
Frank Tumuhimbise, the Deputy Speaker of Soroti District Council, added that the cooperative union aims to unite all PWDs in the Teso Subregion to support them in business and production. Tumuhimbise, who also serves as the Councillor for PWDs, encouraged all PWDs to join the cooperative if they wish to enhance their livelihoods.
“All PWDs in Teso should join; all you need is a national ID, and you must be 18 years or older,” Tumuhimbise concluded.
The Disability Situational Analysis report compiled by the Gender ministry and partners highlights inadequacies in areas of access to health, education, governance, communication, skills development, rehabilitation and inclusion, and calls for solutions to improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of the PWDs.
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