In a small maize mill in Rwimi, near the Ugandan provincial capital Fort Portal, we meet Chance, a 39-year-old local man who uses a wheelchair. Along with other employees, Chance helped to ensure that a toilet was installed at the mill; a social enterprise set up for people with disabilities. He also had a toilet built at his home, and advises his community on inclusivity.
“I lost my arms and legs in an accident, when I was twenty. I was working on road construction here near Fort Portal. The machine I was using short-circuited, and I was electrocuted. I woke up in the hospital without forearms, with one leg amputated, and one leg I can no longer use.
Of course, that was tough. But I didn’t want it to break me. Finding work here really helped me. At least I could earn my own money again. We grind maize into flour here, and everything is set up for people with disabilities. I can move reasonably well in my wheelchair by using my arm and shoulder, and I write with my mouth.
At work, however, I couldn’t use the toilet. The floor of the latrine was muddy and dirty, and I would have to drag myself to the hole. So, I went outside, always with the feeling that someone might see me.
At home, the situation wasn’t much better. I used a bucket, which my wife emptied for me. I felt really bad that she had to do that.
I’m involved in the leadership of my local community, where I advise on equality for people with disabilities. You can do that, for example, by making hospitals and other public buildings accessible or by providing a budget for people who need a wheelchair. When I heard about FINISH, I was excited, but I thought it should be accessible for everyone. And surprisingly, that was very easy to arrange. The principle of FINISH is that they don’t want to leave anyone behind.
Together with other people with disabilities, we formed a group, and we collected enough money to build our toilets. We did this by saving up, but also by taking loans. After ten months, I had paid off mine, so it went well.
What my new toilet has done for me? It’s hard to express that in words. Now I can go to the toilet by myself, thanks to the arm supports that were installed. My wife no longer has to dispose of my waste. I’ve gotten my dignity back. My life has really changed because of it.”