By Nathan Eyagu 

Soroti District – The State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hellen Grace Asamo, has today launched a UGX 20 million support project aimed at improving the livelihoods of a visually impaired family in Tosoro Village, Dokolo Parish, Gweri Sub-county, Soroti District.

The launch follows growing public concern over the plight of Opolot Joseph’s family, a household of more than 30 members, most of whom are visually impaired. The family’s story, which recently circulated on social media, drew the attention of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, prompting immediate government intervention.

A Family Living in Darkness but Full of Hope

Opolot Joseph, 80, was born blind and later married in 1970. He and his late wife had ten children, nine of whom are still alive and all visually impaired. The family now comprises 25 blind members, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Speaking during the event, one of the daughters, Irieba Betty, expressed gratitude for the government’s support but also shared the family’s ongoing struggles.

“Our biggest challenges are education and health. Special schools for the blind are expensive, and accessing health facilities is difficult because of our condition and the poor roads,” she said.

She added that the family survives mainly on small-scale farming, though this is limited due to their visual impairment and lack of support.

Margaret Emuria Acaya, the District Community Development Officer (DCDO) for Soroti, said the district received UGX 20 million from the Ministry to support visually impaired groups, including Opolot’s family. The funding will go toward four income-generating projects: poultry farming, piggery, sheep rearing, and skills development with inclusive livelihood training.

She revealed that Soroti District has so far benefited from UGX 546 million, supporting 112 groups and 725 beneficiaries, including 227 females and over 400 males.

While launching the project, Hellen Asamo commended the family for their resilience and urged them to use the funds effectively to create lasting change.

“You have been given UGX 20 million — use it wisely. Do not let it go to waste. Turn your condition into a source of inspiration and become a model family for other persons with disabilities,” she said.

She thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his continued support toward persons with disabilities (PWDs) through affirmative action in education and employment.

“You are a God-fearing family, and that is the beginning of wisdom. Work together, grow what you have, and focus on food security and sustainability,” she added.

Olebe Stephen, the District Councilor representing persons with disabilities and Speaker of Soroti District, praised the government for its commitment to inclusion.

“Disability is not a curse but a blessing. We appreciate the minister’s efforts, which are being felt across all parishes. We will closely monitor the beneficiaries to ensure that funds are used appropriately,” he said.

He also disclosed plans to construct a community health facility within one kilometer of the family’s home to ease access to healthcare services.

Mutai Victor, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Soroti, urged local councils to strengthen community security to protect the family from theft and exploitation.

“The family is vulnerable. Local leaders must ensure their safety and support their integration into community activities,” he said.

The district officials recommended increased funding for PWD groups from UGX 5 million to UGX 10 million, skills training in viable projects, and linkage to reliable markets. They also called for enhanced supervision and value addition in livestock and agricultural ventures.

The Ministry of Gender’s Regional Programme Coordinator encouraged the family to form four strong groups and work closely with the district veterinary department to ensure project sustainability.

“If well implemented, these projects can transform this family into a model of resilience and productivity,” he said.

Despite their daily challenges, the Opolot family remains hopeful. Three family members have obtained university degrees, while others continue to pursue vocational training. The family also appealed for support in education, road improvement, and job inclusion to promote self-reliance.

As the ceremony concluded, Minister Asamo handed over the symbolic dummy cheque to the family, urging them to become a beacon of hope for all persons with disabilities in the region.

“You may not have sight, but you have vision. Let this support bring light not just to your family, but to the entire community,” she remarked.