NCEDI Builds Leadership and Governance Capacity of Terego District Action on Physical Disability

Terego District, Uganda | September 28, 2026

The NextGen Community Empowerment and Development Initiative (NCEDI), through Terego District action on physical disability project with support from the DHF-Uganda Trust Fund, successfully conducted a Leadership and Governance Capacity-Building Training for members and leaders of the Terego District Action on Physical Disability (TDAPD) on 28th September 2026 at the Terego District Headquarters.

The training was organized to strengthen the capacity of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations to participate effectively in leadership, decision-making, governance, and community development processes. Guided by the Leadership and Governance Training Guide for Persons with Disabilities, the training provided participants with practical knowledge and skills to lead their organizations more effectively while promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusion.

Empowering Disability Leaders

During the training, participants explored the meaning of leadership and the qualities that define effective leaders, including integrity, accountability, empathy, teamwork, communication, and commitment. Facilitators emphasized that leadership is not determined by a person's position or disability status but by their ability to influence positive change and serve their communities. Interactive discussions allowed participants to reflect on their own leadership experiences and identify common barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from occupying leadership positions. Issues such as stigma, inaccessible facilities, limited opportunities, and lack of information were highlighted as key challenges affecting participation.

Promoting Inclusive Leadership

A key focus of the training was the importance of disability-inclusive leadership. Participants discussed practical strategies for ensuring that persons with disabilities, particularly women and youth, have equal opportunities to participate in organizational and community decision-making processes. Through group exercises and experience-sharing sessions, participants identified solutions such as improving accessibility, increasing awareness about disability rights, and creating more opportunities for leadership development within disability organizations.

Strengthening Governance and Accountability

The governance component of the training equipped participants with a deeper understanding of how organizations should be managed and governed. Sessions focused on the principles of good governance, including participation, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, equity, and responsiveness. Participants learned about the roles and responsibilities of chairpersons, secretaries, treasurers, committee members, and ordinary members in ensuring effective organizational management. Practical case studies on financial accountability, reporting systems, and decision-making helped participants understand the importance of responsible leadership and proper management of organizational resources.

Building Skills in Conflict Resolution and Ethical Leadership

The training also addressed conflict management and ethical leadership. Participants examined common causes of organizational conflicts and learned practical approaches for resolving disputes through dialogue, listening, mediation, and consensus-building. Facilitators Mr. Matata Victor (Executive Director NCEDI) emphasized the importance of ethical leadership, encouraging leaders to avoid conflicts of interest, promote fairness, respect organizational policies, and utilize resources responsibly for the benefit of all members.

Developing Action Plans for Change

As part of the training, participants developed action plans aimed at strengthening leadership and governance within the Terego District Action on Physical Disability. The action plans focused on improving financial accountability, increasing participation of women and youth with disabilities in leadership, enhancing accessibility during meetings, and promoting active member engagement in decision-making processes. These commitments will guide the organization in implementing practical reforms that strengthen its effectiveness and improve advocacy for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Terego District.

Strengthening Disability-Led Organizations

The training reaffirmed NCEDI's commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through capacity building, leadership development, and inclusive community engagement. By strengthening governance systems and leadership skills, disability organizations are better positioned to advocate for their rights, influence development programs, and contribute meaningfully to social and economic development. Through the support of the DHF-Uganda Trust Fund, this initiative marks an important step toward building stronger, more accountable, and inclusive disability-led organizations in Terego District.

"Disability does not prevent leadership. Effective leadership is built on integrity, service, accountability, and inclusion. Strong governance creates stronger organizations and stronger communities."