Investigating the role of disability on subjective wellbeing: evidence from Uganda

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between disability and subjective wellbeing in Uganda, drawing on data from the 2017 Uganda Functional Difficulties Survey. We first use inequality indices to compare wellbeing for adults residing in households with and without members who have disabilities. Results show that average wellbeing is lower in households with disabled members, with the gap widening as disability severity increases. We then examine the determinants of wellbeing using multi-level mixed-effects models and find that social inclusion, measured through experiences of discrimination, perceptions of safety, and access to information and communication technologies, plays a central role in shaping wellbeing. Discrimination and insecurity are strongly associated with lower wellbeing, while household wealth and mobile phone use exert positive effects, with important gender- and age-specific patterns. Considering mechanisms, we find that mobile phone use moderates the negative impact of discrimination. By highlighting both between- and within-household disparities, and the determinants of subjective wellbeing, this study advances understanding of how disability affects wellbeing in sub-Saharan Africa and underscores the importance of inclusive development policies.