Crippled by war, marginalized from health care: the reality of women with disability accessibility of healthcare services in post-conflict Gulu in Uganda

This research sought to explore the ways through which the experiences of women with conflict-related challenges are shaped by health services offered in post-conflict northern Uganda. To achieve this aim, the research main research question was further abridged into four research questions. In order to answer these research questions, the researcher employed qualitative research design. To gather the data, the researcher used focus group discussions and interviews. The participants of the study included 20 women with disabilities, six health workers and two representatives from the National Union of Women with Disabilities of Uganda. From the findings of the study, it was concluded that there are different healthcare services available for women with disabilities in Gulu district. However, these services are unequally distributed in the district, limiting access for the disabled women who come from the areas of the district where there are no health facilities. Furthermore, the findings reveal that there are various, social, economic and cultural challenges that hinder the accessibility of the available health services by women disabled by the conflict. Following the findings of this study, it is perceived that development and implementation of inclusion policies is an effective strategy to improve access of health services by disabled women. When making laws the Ugandan government and international partners should consider incorporating issues that touch on disabled people. Also, the society should encourage the participation of disabled women in politics. Therefore, political parties ought to embrace disabled women in their political ranks. When they become active politically, they will speak about the issues affecting them in accessing healthcare.