Minister Hellen Asamo Calls For Greater Inclusion Of Little Persons Ahead Of International Celebration

By Gad Masereka

As Uganda prepares to mark the International Day of Little Persons on October 25, the Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Hon. Hellen Asamo, has called for renewed efforts to promote inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for persons of short stature.

Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre, Asamo said that while progress has been made, many little persons still face discrimination and barriers that limit their participation in society. She noted that the forthcoming celebration will reaffirm Uganda’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens.

“The International Day of Little Persons is a time to reflect on how far we have come as a nation in promoting inclusion, but also to acknowledge that more must be done,” Asamo said. “We must ensure that accessibility and equal treatment are not just written in our laws but reflected in the lived experiences of our people.”

This year’s commemoration will be held at Kampala School for the Disabled in Mengo under a renewed call for equality and accessibility in all spheres of life. The event will celebrate the achievements of little persons while highlighting the challenges they continue to face in education, employment, and social participation.

According to the 2024 National Housing and Population Statistics Report, Uganda has more than 1,900 little persons. Despite existing legal protections under the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2020, many still encounter barriers in infrastructure, healthcare, and workplaces. Most public buildings, transport systems, and schools remain inaccessible, and awareness among educators and health workers is still limited.

Employment discrimination also persists, with many employers failing to make simple adjustments such as lowering biometric scanners or adapting workstations. This exclusion extends to public facilities like ATMs and courtrooms, leaving many little persons feeling invisible in spaces where inclusion should be guaranteed.

Social stigma further compounds these barriers. In some communities, persons of short stature are still viewed through superstition, while in entertainment circles, they are often portrayed as comic figures, undermining their dignity.

The government has introduced affirmative action programs, including the National Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities and allocations under the Emyooga and Parish Development Model programs. However, advocates say more needs to be done to enforce accessibility standards and invest in assistive technologies.

“Inclusion must go beyond policy documents,” said a representative from the Little Persons Foundation. “It should be seen in how we design our schools, roads, and workplaces.”

This year’s celebration will feature art exhibitions, public dialogues, and cultural performances by little persons, all aimed at dispelling myths about dwarfism and promoting equality.

As Uganda prepares for the event, the message remains clear: inclusion is not a favor but a right. Ensuring that little persons can learn, work, travel, and worship freely is a matter of justice and human dignity.

“We may be short in height,” said one participant ahead of the celebration, “but we stand tall in spirit and contribution to our nation.”