Rukungiri District is poised to make its inaugural appearance at the Annual National Disability Sports, an event dedicated to children living with disabilities (PWDs) across the nation. Set to take place in Masaka City from October 10 to 18, this initiative represents a significant milestone for the district and its PWD community.
The journey began with a vibrant kickoff event held at the Rukungiri Main Stadium, which saw the attendance of prominent district leaders and officials committed to supporting the PWDs. Among them were the District Education Officer (DEO) and various advocates for the disabled, all gathered to rally behind the athletes representing Rukungiri.
Kembabazi Peace, the Special Needs Officer for Rukungiri, shed light on the purpose of the event. She explained that the training aimed to prepare ten selected representatives for various sports, including parathletics and field events like shot put and javelin. Participants will compete based on their age and gender, with the goal of showcasing the abilities of both boys and girls.
Expressing her gratitude for this groundbreaking opportunity, Peace emphasized the importance of promoting talent and raising awareness about the potential of disabled children stressing that disability is not inability. She also highlighting the pressing challenges faced by PWDs, such as inadequate facilities in schools and a shortage of skilled teachers. She urged the government to prioritize the needs of over 350 disabled children in Rukungiri who require immediate attention.
District Education Officer Turyahumura Jackson encouraged the athletes to unite as a team, coming from various schools like Kyamakanda Primary and Kisiizi Hospital Primary. He emphasized the importance of discipline and promised his support by accompanying them to Masaka. Jackson also noted that teachers skilled in training disabled students would be given priority during recruitment, urging parents to empower their children through education.
Emmy Turyabagyenyi, the NRM flag bearer for PWDs at the district level, praised the government for organizing this event, acknowledging that it highlights the needs of PWDs. He expressed frustration over the lack of accessible facilities, such as toilets, at venues like the Rukungiri Main Stadium, calling for urgent action from local authorities.
Lastly, Musiimenta Caledonia Bakironda, a district councilor and Secretary for Education, encouraged the athletes to believe in themselves and assured them that they would return with medals. She reiterated the need for inclusive educational practices by teachers favouring children with disabilities to ensure that no child is left behind.
As Rukungiri prepares for this historic event, the hope is that the Uganda Paralympics will not only showcase talent but also drive meaningful change for children with disabilities in the region.
