Masitula’s Story

Masitula Musubika, a 28-year-old from the Island of Jaguzi in Mayuge district, Eastern Uganda, lives with a physical disability. In 2024, she joined Restless Development as a Youth Researcher on the Youth Researchers Academy Project, focusing on the topic of examining the barriers and facilitators to accessing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services among young people with disabilities in Mayuge district. Despite societal barriers and personal struggles, she has emerged as a voice for persons with disabilities (PWDs). 

Her journey into Restless Development was unexpected but much needed. “Joining Restless Development was a surprise for me because I did not expect it as a person with a disability,” she shared.

 Masitula facilitates a focus group discussion with persons with disabilities, during the data collection exercise in Mayuge district.

Masitula faces challenges that many in her community do not fully understand. From the time she got impaired, mobility became a struggle. “For someone like me with a physical impairment, mobility is difficult. The way we do things is slower,” she explains. This limitation often placed her at a disadvantage, especially in environments that lacked accessible infrastructure.

Beyond mobility, Masitula has endured discrimination. She narrated instances of being denied job opportunities, particularly in government roles. “Once they see you physically, they will wonder how you will get the work done and end up denying you the job,” she says. The stigma extends to her community, where she is often ridiculed with demeaning nicknames. “It’s different at home, though,” she adds, smiling. “My family values me a lot because of my role there.”

Despite these obstacles, “Joining Restless Development has given me a platform to grow and advocate for others. Working as a youth researcher has allowed me to learn from the diverse experiences of persons with disabilities (PWDs). The research has been an opportunity for me to know what other persons with disabilities are facing,” she explains. While her challenges are rooted in physical impairment, she discovered that others, such as those with hearing impairments or albinism, face entirely different struggles. “Some are worse off than I am, which gave me the zeal to keep going, pick their voices, and represent them in such spaces.”

The research also exposed the discrimination faced by PWDs in accessing essential services. In medical settings, for example, they are often deprioritised. “When in line for a check-up, they will work on those not impaired first, with the excuse that we take longer. But I cannot stand for long,” she explains. That way, we end up missing out on services like sexual reproductive health (SRH )services. Cultural beliefs worsen the stigma. “In some traditions, when an albino is born, they are associated with bad luck or evil spirits,” she shares. “Little persons are also discriminated against, often denied the chance to marry because of outdated beliefs.

Masitula credits her success to several key factors: her education, the endless support of her family, and the faith Restless Development placed in her. “Restless Development believed in me, and so did my family,” she says with pride. This belief empowered her to excel as a researcher, which has boosted her confidence and expanded her leadership potential. “Before joining Restless Development, I was a Chairperson for an organisation working with disabled people, but this experience has made me more informed and confident. Now, I know I can represent PWDs effectively.”

Masitula, together with her fellow youth researchers during the YRA data analysis workshop in Jinja district

The friendships and networks Masitula built during her research have also enriched her life. “I have made friends within the team and in the communities where I conducted research,” she says. The experience has inspired her to aim higher.

“After this research, I feel confident enough to contest for leadership positions. I can now speak for myself and others.”

Masitula’s message for others with disabilities is, “Do not lose hope. Have the desire to work. Do not sit and beg or wait for help to come to you. If you get the chance, go to school, study, and keep yourself presentable. If an opportunity comes, take it because it may only come once.”

A group photo of the youth researchers alongside the Restless Development Team and Research consultants at the data analysis workshop in Jinja District.