The ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development has stated that there are no confirmed cases of harassment or intimidation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) during the ongoing campaigns, but has urged anyone whose rights have been violated to report the matter to the authorities.
Hellen Asamo, the minister of state for PWDs, said people with disabilities continue to face many challenges, especially when taking part in elections.
“Some are coerced to vote against the people of their choice. Vulnerable persons like the deaf are not properly supported to choose the right leaders they want,” Asamo said.
She said the government remains committed to protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities in line with Article 35 of Uganda’s Constitution.
Asamo said several programmes have been introduced over the years to improve the welfare of people with disabilities. These include the National Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities, into which the government has invested Shs 42 billion over the last five years.
Through this grant, groups of between five and ten people can access up to Shs 5 million for projects that help them generate income.
“Many have benefited from these loans and are now running commercial activities that have changed their lives,” Asamo said.
The government has also set up four skilling centres in Kireka, Ruti, Mbarara, and Mbale, where young people with disabilities are trained in vocational skills to help them find work and become self-reliant.
Uganda will join the rest of the world on December 3 to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This year’s national celebrations will be held in Mubende District under the theme of fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.
The 2024 National Housing and Population Census reported that Uganda has 5.5 million persons with disabilities, representing 13.2 percent of the population. The report also noted that women account for the largest share of disability cases compared to men
