The Ministry of Health is set to launch the Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Strategic Plan, a new framework aimed at improving rehabilitation services and expanding access to assistive technology for persons with disabilities and older persons across Uganda.

Stakeholders say the strategy comes at a critical time when many rehabilitation centers are struggling with limited resources, poor services, and inadequate government funding.

The planned launch of the Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Strategic Plan has raised hopes among persons with disabilities and older persons seeking better access to rehabilitation and support services.

The strategy is expected to strengthen rehabilitation services and improve access to assistive technology across the country, especially for vulnerable groups facing barriers in accessing healthcare support.

According to Popuras Aisu, the programs officer at the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda, many rehabilitation centers continue to face serious challenges that have affected the quality and availability of services.

He noted that several facilities remain underfunded and poorly equipped, limiting access to rehabilitation support for persons with disabilities and older persons.

Aisu also expressed concern over inadequate government funding, saying the shortage of financial support has weakened service delivery and affected access to quality rehabilitation care in different parts of the country.

He further noted that rehabilitation services remain largely inaccessible to many older persons with disabilities due to high costs, long distances to health facilities, and a shortage of specialized services.

Stakeholders are now urging the government to allocate sufficient resources towards the implementation of the strategic plan to ensure improved rehabilitation services, increased accessibility, and better support systems for persons with disabilities nationwide.