comm-UNITY!

We are halfway through the year and back with another season of comm-UNITY!

Follow our weekly episodes, share your thoughts and engage with us here on Anchor or one of CivSource Africa’s various platforms.

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It is a full circle moment in the final episode of this season, as Sarah Nekese, Executive Director of the Epilepsy Support Association Uganda (ESAU) join us to tell stories of the ways individuals living with epilepsy have stepped up to help their own.

An individual that stands out is Henry Karutokye, who realised he had epilepsy at 15. He joined ESAU in 1999, and has never looked back, going over and beyond to empower and protect those living with epilepsy and disability in general.

Madam Christine Lule aka Jjajja Wa Ba-deaf, whose impactful words are interpreted by Deborah Tibiwa, joins us in episode 11 as we discuss the challenges that those with hearing impairments face.

She has been a key player in advocating and sensitising various families and communities about the disability rights of, and the great potential that should be harnessed within those with hearing impairments. 

As she retells stories of the lives and communities she has impacted, she reminds us of the importance of taking this information back to the grassroots and of prioritising breaking language barriers, as communication and community go hand in hand.

What didn't kill her, made Peninahh Mukatushabira, Board Member at Vitiligo Association of Uganda, stronger. Living with vitiligo for 15 years she has experienced stigma from all fronts including the disability community. But has chosen to channel her energy towards advocacy for positive living and sensitisation about her condition.

In episode 10 we laugh and chat about her life, her bond with her children, and the work that she does.

It is clear as we speak to Mama Alice Kisolo, Founder of SIITA, Nest Mother's Love Homes that in her perspective, no one is beyond redemption.

Having experienced neglect and discrimination herself as a child dealing with mental illness, she shares with us how she got into the work of caring for neglected and at risk children. Trusting that her calling and faith would sustain the work that she has done over the years. And that the training she has passed on will live beyond her.

"Nothing about us without us" says Hajira Kaggwa, Councillor and Coordinator at Iganga District Albinism Association. In this episode she shares with us her passion and initiative to ensure that all persons living with disability in Iganga are empowered economically, socially and politically. Breaking down what this looks like for various disability groups. 

Her generosity also translates into her stewardship of her role as a leader and representative of women living with albinism. And it is evident that the work she is doing is making a difference in her community. 

Joel Musana, Founder and Executive director of Foundation of Persons Affected by Dwarfism joins us in episode 7. As he gives us glimpses into his life experiences and the journey to founding FPAD-U, we see the ways in which he has lifted his community members towards independence and advocated for accessibility and respect. We see the privileges that being able-bodied affords one, and the ways in which society can better prioritise reasonable accommodation

The Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Awareness Network in Uganda was built out of desire to maintain connection and support amongst mothers whose children were faced with these conditions.

Mr. Bugembe Dick, BOD Chairperson and founder of MADIPHA, joins us in episode 5 as we explore the intersection of persons living with disability and HIV/AIDS.

Mr. Bugembe, with personal experience, started the organization because he saw a gap in support offered to individuals living with disability and HIV/AIDS. He shares with us the journey and growth of the organisation on a mission to provide equal and timely access to information and services. As well as the courage with which he has fought discrimination and showed his peers that they can live positively and independently.

A conversation with Mr. Sejemba Fred, founder of NUDIPU and the radio program 'Ebifu Mubatema', feels very much like a history lesson filled with wisdom, experience, downfalls and triumph.

In this episode he shares with us parts of his journey that led him to Kireka Rehabilitation Center, where he developed his artistry and advocated for the rights of disabled people and improved standard of living. As well as the circumstances that led him to found NUDIPU (National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda), and to advocate for representation of disabled people in Uganda's government and parliament.