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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 80724, member: 636"] Disability groups are demanding a new national benefit for kids. Several organizations for persons with disabilities called for a National Child Disability Benefit. They made the request at a media briefing in Nakasero, Kampala. Gloria Nakajubi from the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Social Protection Secretariat read a joint statement. The groups argued that current social protection programs are too limited and fail to address specific needs. They proposed a monthly payment of one hundred thousand shillings per disabled child under eighteen. This annual cost would be around two hundred thirty-four point eight billion shillings. They stated this amount could fit into the national budget with proper prioritization. The benefit would go to all children regardless of disability type, with identification handled at the parish level. A database and identity cards for beneficiaries would be required. The statement said this grant would ease financial burdens on families and help the national economy. The briefing happened ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Nakajubi called social protection a human right under Uganda's constitution and international treaties. She urged parents to register children with the National Identification and Registration Authority. Joel Kawanguzi from the Foundation of Persons Affected by Dwarfism Uganda advised against self-discrimination. He also called on political candidates to prioritize disability issues and use respectful language. The groups praised a recent government decision to lower the age for Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment from eighty to sixty-five. They also noted the monthly payout for that program rose to thirty-five thousand shillings. Organizations involved included the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda and Research and Action for Income Security. [/QUOTE]

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