Social Protection for Disability in Central Uganda: a Human Development Perspective

Abstract Whereas there is ample empirical evidence on the nature and functioning of formal and informal social protection systems in Uganda, there are limited studies on their influence on the youth living with disabilities. This paper explores the meaning and functioning of social protection strategies among youth living with spina bifida and hydrocephalous in central Uganda. Using data from in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and key informants, the paper observes that there is widespread knowledge on social protection systems among the respondents. Overall, social protection encompasses all measures implemented to address the perceived social exclusion and vulnerabilities related to the disability condition. The paper recommends a philosophical twist to the implementation of social protection by interrogating the human development model of disability which places the elements of the health conditions, impairments and their causes and consequences on the wellbeing of these vulnerable individuals at the core of the theoretical discourse.