Covid-19 Income loss, risk of violence and the response of persons with disabilities and their representative organisations in Uganda
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Findings from this report show evidence that some persons with disabilities face multiple types of jeopardy during Covid-19: they are at an increased risk of violence and are suffering a dramatic loss in household earnings. They are also taking action: many plan to adapt their livelihood and are mobilising resources for their communities. Persons with disabilities ask government and NGOs to do more and to be more inclusive in their response to the crisis.
● Three of four respondents report increased risk of violence since the pandemic began. 77% of women and 80% of men report an increase in economic, physical, psychological and/or sexual violence after Covid-19.
● One in three women respondents report experiencing an increased risk of physical and/or sexual violence.
● Livelihood support could reduce violence risk. Three in four (76%) of respondents say livelihood support, such as start up capital for small business, would be very or extremely useful to them in order to reduce their risk of experiencing violence during Covid-19.
● Respondents report losing 64% of their monthly household income since the outbreak. After adjusting for purchase power parity, this is the equivalent of falling from 181 GBP to 65 GBP per month.
● Covid-19 support is unequal and insufficient for many. Where support has been distributed, one in two report that they do not receive the same protection support (ie PPE) as others; one in four report that they do not receive the same Covid-19 survival support (ie food); one in three report they do not receive the same Covid-19 information; and one in three say that support does not meet need.
● Most respondents will try something new. 59% indicate that they will start something new to make ends meet if the situation continues.
● OPDs are obtaining food support through lobbying, providing vital psychosocial support and information.
● Some OPDs are not able to respond because they are capacity-constrained.
● Government and NGOs can do more.
From these interviews and findings, some recommendations emerge for government and NGOs:
● Support livelihood to reduce violence risk and increase survival strategies.
● Increase access to capital.
● Meaningfully engage persons with disabilities and their respective organisations in response planning and implementation.
● Ensure distribution of support reaches persons with disabilities, more specifically the underrepresented groups.
● Change attitudes toward and increase knowledge about persons with disabilities.