In Nambale Sub- County, Iganga District, lives Namusosa Rachael, a determined 16-year-old girl whose courage and resilience continue to inspire her community. Born with a visual impairment, Rachael’s early years were filled with challenges that are unimaginable.
From an early age, she faced an uphill battle not only navigating daily life with limited sight but also enduring the harsh realities of stigma, bullying and exclusion. At school, her peers often mocked her disability and over time, the constant teasing and lack of support forced her to drop out. For a while, it seemed like her dreams had been shattered.
But everything began to change when she crossed paths with IDIWA. Through IDIWA’s mentorship and empowerment sessions, Rachael gained knowledge on human rights, self-esteem, and advocacy. The training helped her rediscover her confidence and believe that her disability did not define her future.
“IDIWA helped me see that I can achieve anything if I believe in myself,” Rachael said.
With this new mindset, Rachael was eager to put her knowledge into action. She received a seed refund of 30,000 shillings from IDIWA, a small amount, but one that would mark a turning point in her life. Rather than spending it, Rachael decided to start a small vegetable stall in her community.
At first, the business was modest. She sold a few items like tomatoes, onions, and green vegetables, relying on her sharp memory and sense of touch to manage the stall. Her kindness, honesty, and dedication quickly earned her loyal customers who admired her determination. Slowly but surely, her business began to grow.
With every profit she made, Rachael reinvested in her stall, buying more stock and expanding her range of vegetables. Her resilience and business sense paid off. Today, her stall is valued at over 200,000 shillings, providing her with a steady income that supports her basic needs and contributes to her family’s well-being.
Rachael’s story is not just about financial success, it’s about restored dignity, confidence, and purpose. From being a girl once isolated by stigma, she has become a symbol of possibility for other young people with disabilities in her community.
“I now know that disability is not inability,” she says. “With support and determination, anyone can build a better life.”
Through IDIWA’s continuous mentorship and advocacy, Rachael’s journey is proof that when persons with disabilities are given opportunities, they can break barriers, inspire others, and create lasting change within their communities. Rachael’s transformation reminds us that empowering young people with disabilities through knowledge, mentorship, and small economic support can open doors to lifelong independence and inclusion.