Mukisa Inclusive Village
Special Focus – Bussi Island
Bussi Island, located on Lake Victoria, is home to an estimated 19,000 people, many of whom have traditionally depended on fishing for their livelihoods. In recent years, strict government fishing regulations have led many families to gradually transition into farming as an alternative source of income.
For generations, deeply rooted myths and beliefs surrounding disability on the island contributed to stigma, neglect, and abuse of children with disabilities. One commonly held belief associated disability with the Nalubale spirit, leading families to fear seeking care or intervention for their children. As a result, many children with disabilities remained undiagnosed, unsupported, and excluded from basic services.
When we began working on Bussi Island nine years ago, children with disabilities were largely invisible, rarely accessing healthcare, education, or protection services. Children with conditions such as epilepsy often wandered unsupervised, and in some cases, when children went missing, they were not actively searched for due to prevailing beliefs.
Today, our continued presence on the island continues to change the face of disability. Children with disabilities are increasingly identified early, assessed, and supported, with access to healthcare, therapy, education, and referrals. Families are learning, attitudes are shifting, and communities are coming together to protect, care for, and advocate for their children.
Core Services That Transform Lives
Therapy & Home-Based Care
Children with disabilities receive regular therapy services at the centre, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and developmental support tailored to their unique needs. For families living in remote parts of the island, our home-based care program ensures no child is left behind.
Vocational Skills Training
We offer practical, hands-on training in:
- Tailoring
- Cookery
- Sustainable Farming
These programs are designed for young adults with disabilities and teenage mothers, equipping them with the skills to achieve economic independence and self-reliance.
Socio-Economic Empowerment
Mukisa Inclusive Village also runs empowerment programs that support families and caregivers. These initiatives strengthen household resilience, promote inclusion, and foster long-term wellbeing.
and teenage mothers, equipping them with the skills to achieve economic independence and self-reliance.
