Apollo Mukasa’s journey into activism is deeply rooted in his commitment to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs). As the Executive Director of Uganda National Action on Physical Disability (UNAPD), Apollo is a driving force behind initiatives aimed at combating discrimination among PWDs. UNAPD was established in 1998 as a platform for voicing concerns of persons with physical disabilities to realise a barrier free environment where they can enjoy their rights to the fullest.
Born with a physical disability further compounded by a disadvantaged background, Apollo faced numerous obstacles in accessing education due to financial constraints. However, his determination to transcend these barriers fueled him to champion the cause of disability rights.
"I come from a humble background where financial limitations posed significant challenges to accessing education. Despite these hurdles, I refused to be defined by my circumstances. Instead, I was driven by a deep-seated determination to advocate for change and empower individuals facing similar struggles." .
In 2008, after pursuing his bachelor’s degree at Makerere University Kampala, Together with UNAPD, Apollo launched a campaign “Accessibility Advocacy for PWDs”. The campaign gained significant momentum and led to the development of Accessibility Standards (manual for construction of accessible buildings) ultimately resulting in legislative reforms and the enactment of a Building Control Act in 2013 with adoption of the standards as part of the Act.
"We cannot overlook the fact that buildings serve as gateways to essential services. If persons with disabilities are barred from accessing these spaces, they are effectively denied their rights to health, education, and more," he emphasizes.
After his bachelor’s degree, Apollo joined UNAPD as a volunteer, eager to contribute his expertise and passion to the organisation’s cause. “My journey with UNAPD began as a volunteer, but through dedication and perseverance, I ascended to other management positions where I could effect meaningful change,” he says. His exemplary dedication and leadership qualities quickly elevated him to the leadership position of Executive Director within the organisation.
"At UNAPD, I found a platform to address the systemic barriers hindering the inclusion of PWDs. My advocacy efforts were driven by a belief in dignity and rights of every individual, regardless of their physical abilities"
Through his tireless advocacy, Apollo has achieved significant milestones in advancing disability rights in Uganda. His instrumental role in shaping legislative frameworks, such as advocating for accessible buildings in the construction industry, has contributed to tangible improvements in the lives of PWDs.
"I take pride in the transformative impact of our initiatives at UNAPD. By empowering thousands of PWDs to assert their rights and participate in decision-making processes, we have cultivated a culture of inclusivity and empowerment within our community."
Despite this progress, he acknowledges the persistent challenges confronting PWDs, including barriers to employment and limited funding for disability organisations. However, he remains steadfast in his commitment to advocating for change and fostering greater societal inclusion.
"While we have made strides in advancing disability rights, there are still challenges that demand our attention. By forging partnerships with mainstream stakeholders and advocating for disability programming in donor priorities, we can address these issues and create a more equitable society for all."
Looking ahead, Apollo envisions a future where persons with disabilities are fully integrated into society, where accessibility is the norm, and where their rights are upheld without question. His unwavering dedication to this vision serves as a beacon of hope for individuals with disabilities across Uganda.
"As we continue our journey towards inclusivity, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to create a society where every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, can thrive and contribute meaningfully. Together, we can build a future where inclusion is not just a goal, but a lived reality for all."
In case of more information about UNAPD, visit their social media platforms: website: www.unapd.org, twitter:@unapd, Facebook: Unapd, YouTube: UNAPDUganda.