David Nangosi worked with his mentor at the Center for Learning and Leadership (CLL) hosted by the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center to develop a program for post-secondary students with disabilities transitioning into the workforce. 

David understands the complex web of interconnected factors at play in the employment of persons with disabilities. David lives in Kampala, Uganda and works at the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU), where he spearheads national advocacy campaigns aimed at enhancing the participation of persons with disabilities in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030). As the focal person for SDG-related activities, David raises public awareness about the inclusion of persons with disabilities in SDGs and is responsible for building partnerships with disability stakeholders, including advocacy groups, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the Ugandan government. He also coordinates advocacy meetings between NUDIPU, the government and  CSOs about how to implement the SDGs.

David previously worked as a Legal Assistant from December 2014 to March 2018, a role that involved enhancing access to justice for persons with disabilities in Uganda through promotion and protection of their fundamental human rights. This saw him successfully settle many cases of persons with disabilities and other indigents through provision of Legal Aid Services. He is credited for winning NUDIPU an Innovators Award after making a presentation on the “Establishment of a Sign Language Interpreters Hub” before the Chief Justice of Uganda and the Chairperson of the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) at Hotel Africana in Kampala on September 8, 2017. Due to this hub, NUDIPU was recognized among the five best Legal Aid Innovators that offer practical interventions to persons with disabilities in Uganda.   

Prior to entering into the profession of law, David received his Bachelor’s Degree in the subject. He has experience working with NUDIPU as a mentor for youth with disabilities. In 2017, David was instrumental in organizing the third Annual Disability Forum (ADF) in Uganda. Very fitting to this fellowship, the theme of the 2017 ADF was ‘‘Employment of Persons with Disabilities: A key to Sustainable and Resilient Society for All”

Using his background in Ugandan law and his fellowship experience, David is instituting a project that empowers university students with disabilities to compete more favorably in the competitive job market. In addition to advocating for full-time employment, this project includes the organization of internship placements for final year students.