Uganda Fashion: Designer uses models with disabilities to showcase creations

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A new breed of fashion designers is emerging in Uganda - aiming to change the way the industry views people with disabilities. One creative one is wheeling her way to catwalk success, even though she's partially paralysed. Leon Ssenyange reports.

Brenda Areto's life changed eight years ago. She spent months in hospital after a motorbike accident. Doctors say she'll never walk again.

BRENDA ARETO FASHION DESIGNER "They were like: Brenda, do you know that you are not walking again? I'm like OK. OK. I mean I couldn't lie in the hospital for six months, but here I was not going to walk again."

Areto hasn't let that stand in her way, however. Her first love has always been fashion.

BRENDA ARETO FASHION DESIGNER "If there is anything that brought me into fashion it is African things. I know so many people are doing African, but African is what I feel so comfortable with right now."

After starting out with jewellery, this young woman is continuously adding to her range.

LEON SSENYAGE WAKISO, UGANDA "Areto has only recently picked up on designing clothes -- and already her African collection features on the runway."

At the Hot Pink fashion night, people with disabilities are showing off Areto's Teeto Afrika designs.

BRENDA ARETO FASHION DESIGNER "It's a feeling of satisfaction. There are so many designers out there would love that and when you get the opportunity it is amazing."

Areto is challenging stereotypes about models and changing the way people with disabilities are seen.

BRENDA ARETO FASHION DESIGNER "Whoever is here needs to know that people like us are also able to do things just like any other person when we put our minds to it and given the opportunity and conducive environment."

Areto is determined to keep using models with disabilities to show off her designs, so like her, they can enjoy fashion to the fullest. LS CGTN WAKISO UGANDA.