People with Disabilities in Gicumbi District Call for Support as Authorities Encourage Unity

As the Government of Rwanda continues to prioritize inclusive development policies that leave no citizen behind, people with disabilities across the country are calling for equal opportunities to improve their livelihoods and actively participate in socio-economic development.

In Gicumbi District, some people with disabilities say that despite progress made in addressing their needs, several challenges still hinder them from achieving the development they desire. They explain that although they are willing to work and engage in income-generating activities, they face obstacles such as a lack of start-up capital, limited knowledge in project management, and difficulties in accessing financial support programs designed for them.

Development analysts point out that people with disabilities often face unique challenges, including negative societal attitudes, limited access to employment opportunities, and daily living constraints related to their disabilities. As a result, many continue to live in poverty despite having the ability and willingness to work and contribute to national development.

In this context, people with disabilities in Gicumbi District are calling on local authorities to remain close to them and provide greater support through income-generating projects, vocational training, and equipment assistance. They say such support would enable them to become self-reliant and better prepare for the future of their families.

Several people with disabilities who spoke to the media said their living conditions remain challenging, particularly due to limited access to capital and opportunities to participate in development programs.

Habumuremyi Jean de Dieu, a resident of Byumba Sector living with a physical disability, said: “We are willing to work, but the main challenge is access to capital. Having a starting point would allow us to progress like other citizens.”

Mukankusi Esperance, a person with visual impairment, said that although the government has introduced various support programs for people with disabilities, accessing them remains difficult: “There are support funds that are mentioned, but accessing them as individuals is challenging. We wish the authorities could help us access them.”

The leadership of Gicumbi District says it has several programs aimed at improving the welfare of people with disabilities but emphasizes the importance of their active participation, particularly through collective action.

The Mayor of Gicumbi District, Nzabonimpa Emmanuel, encouraged people with disabilities to form cooperatives, noting that this is the most effective way to channel available support to the intended beneficiaries and ensure sustainable use of resources. “Support funds for people with disabilities do exist, but for them to reach many beneficiaries and be used effectively, it is important for people to organize themselves into cooperatives,” he said.

He added that working together enables people with disabilities to access training, equipment support, and professional guidance in managing income-generating projects, ultimately helping them achieve self-reliance and sustainable development.

According to district statistics, Gicumbi District has 14,937 people with disabilities, including 6,417 men and 7,980 women. Of these, about 45 percent have already engaged in income-generating activities, while the rest are still seeking opportunities to participate in development initiatives through partnerships and various forms of support.

District authorities say their goal is to increase the number of people with disabilities who achieve economic independence by integrating them into key development programs and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes that affect their lives.