Every morning, Atim wheels herself out of her small home in Northern Uganda to open the little retail shop she has built with determination. At just 28, she has become more than a businesswoman she is a source of courage for many in her community. Having cerebral palsy, she understands that each day brings new challenges, but giving up is not an option.
“People used to tell me that someone like me couldn’t run a business,” Atim says with a quiet smile. “But I wanted to prove to myself and to them that I can.”
Cerebral palsy affects her muscle movements, making tasks that others take for granted like walking, carrying items, even using a smartphone much harder. Yet Atim has turned those challenges into fuel for her resilience. Her shop now employs several young women, creating opportunities where none existed before.
The high cost of adaptive devices and digital tools often slows her down. Running her business without accessible digital platforms makes keeping proper records and serving customers harder than it should be. Even commuting is a challenge since public transport isn’t designed for people with mobility limitations, so simply reaching her shop can feel like a battle.
Beyond the physical barriers, the emotional ones cut deeper. “Sometimes, people don’t understand what cerebral palsy is,” she shares. “They see my body first, not my ability. That hurts but it also pushes me to keep going.”
Uganda’s Persons with Disabilities Act of 2020, particularly Article 6, guarantees equality and non-discrimination. However, in practice, many individuals like Atim continue to face exclusion. This is where initiatives like the 10X Program: Enabling the Growth of MSMEs through the Digital Economy make a difference. By providing accessible digital tools and targeted training, the program empowers young businesswomen with disabilities, like Atim, to strengthen their businesses and actively participate in the digital economy.
Atim’s story is a reminder of what unity can achieve. When communities, organizations, and governments work together, barriers are overcome. This World Cerebral Palsy Month, her story reminds us to recognize the daily struggles persons with Cerebral Palsy face, and to support efforts that open doors for them.
