Lisa Chesney MBE, the new British High Commissioner to Uganda, highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of PWDs in critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure
As Uganda celebrated the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), key issues surrounding the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) remained central to the national discourse. The focus of this year’s celebration was improving household income for the well-being of PWDs, with many advocating for better access to health, education, and economic opportunities. Uganda, home to over 5 million PWDs, continues to face significant challenges in addressing their needs, including social stigma and limited access to services.
Lisa Chesney MBE, the new British High Commissioner to Uganda, highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of PWDs in critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure. She urged the government to take more proactive measures to enhance the lives of the 5 million Ugandans living with disabilities, adding that the British High Commission is working closely with the government to provide digital resources tailored for children with disabilities.
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Laura Criado Lafuente, the UNFPA Program Coordinator for Gender and Youth in Uganda, emphasized the challenges PWDs face in accessing education, healthcare, and adequate representation. She called for the Uganda National Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) to release more accurate data on PWDs to help with better planning and resource allocation. Additionally, she advocated for policies that would encourage the inclusion of PWDs in private sector workplaces, which she believes would further their well-being.
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The event took place in Kumi District, where the Vice President of Uganda, Jessica Alupo Epel, represented President Museveni and reaffirmed the government's commitment to collaborating with PWDs. She emphasized the government’s recognition of strategies developed by PWDs and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to ensure their meaningful inclusion in society. Alupo further reaffirmed the government’s dedication to making all public institutions fully accessible to PWDs, including schools, health facilities, and government offices.
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Hellen Asamo, the State Minister for Disabilities, highlighted progress in reducing the number of PWDs begging for help in urban areas. She noted her office's ongoing efforts to encourage PWDs to engage in government programs such as Emyoga and the Parish Development Model (PDM) to improve their livelihoods. Asamo also called for the allocation of university slots for PWDs in line with the president’s vision of free education for all.
Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, emphasized the importance of addressing preventable disabilities, especially in rural areas where disabilities are often misunderstood as witchcraft. She pointed out that many people with disabilities, such as those with epilepsy, often resort to traditional remedies instead of seeking medical help, which could be effectively managed if addressed early.
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Joseph Andrew Koluo, the Member of Parliament for Toroma Constituency, expressed concerns about recent data released by UBOS, arguing that it does not accurately reflect the current number of PWDs in Uganda. He stressed the need for timely data to inform government policy and support organizations working to assist PWDs.
The theme for the 2024 IDPD is "Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future," highlighting the importance of empowering PWDs to lead the charge for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Moris OKwi
Freelancer