Ready to unleash my work potential

My name is Mugisa Robert and I live in the Kyenjojo District of Western Uganda. I was born with cerebral palsy. After accompanying my aunt to primary school at a young age, my grandfather said that I could also stay there to study.

I persevered through school and eventually completed my O-Levels. But, members of my family wanted to discourage me from continuing on to A-levels.

They thought my disability would make me run mad and felt the books would be too difficult for me to understand. 

Continuing education

My grandmother didn't agree. She took me back to St. Charles Lwanga Lwangili secondary school. I completed my A-level and passed with 10 point.

Both of my parents had passed away when I was younger so my grandmother was my support system. I went on to study at Gulu University and graduated with Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in Development Studies in January 2017. 

I've been unsuccessful

Since leaving university I have made several attempts to find employment. So far I have been unsuccessful. I once went to speak to a company to discuss employment. They told me they were not looking for cleaners and hadn’t even bothered to look at my academic documents.

In November 2018 the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) asked me to take part in Leonard Cheshire’s employment project. Since then I have received career guidance and employability skills.

The project empowered me

They have worked with me to improve my self-esteem and confidence. It has also improved my disability rights awareness. The project has empowered me also to write a CV and cover letter.

Overall the training has changed my attitude to inclusive employment. I am now confident that I can find waged employment.

I am currently a volunteer at the NUDIPU. I am looking forward to finding a full time job that would give me a fair monthly earning.