Busoga district local governments, in collaboration with non-profit organizations advocating for the well-being of Persons with Disabilities (PWD), successfully organized celebrations on Tuesday to mark the International Day of PWDs. This globally recognized occasion is dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of individuals living with disabilities.
The significant commemoration held at Jinja city’s Busoga Square grounds attracted several stakeholders, including government authorities and civil society organizations, to celebrate and recognize the contributions of PWDs towards the development of societies.
The annual event serves as a platform to advocate for rights and opportunities, accessibility, and the removal of barriers that hinder the full participation of persons with disabilities, especially women and girls. Featuring the theme “The Role of Innovation in Disability Inclusion,” the commemoration also underscores the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society that “Leaves No One Behind.”
Jinja Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mr. Richard Gulume Balyaino, while presiding over the occasion, revealed the government’s plan to address challenges facing PWDs and emphasized that development must be extended to marginalized groups that significantly contribute to the economy of the country.
He decried opportunists who resort to swindling funds intended for empowering PWDs, cautioning that legal actions shall be taken against perpetrators undermining the transformation of disabled individuals. Gulume expressed concern over some people who allegedly impersonate PWDs to benefit from projects that aim at fostering development in communities of impairment.
The RDC rallied government authorities and other stakeholders to spearhead the elimination of stigma and discrimination against PWDs in communities, advocating for special care and treatment in health facilities, schools, and other public entities. He commended organizations for empowering and fighting for PWDs.
“It is very wonderful that some families are supported and facilitated by women with disabilities. It really signifies the important roles played by these people and thus deserves empowerment,” notes Gulume and acknowledged the government’s policy of involving and recognizing PWDs at all levels, including political and technical positions.
He believes that unity among PWDs is a core factor in development, challenging impaired individuals who undermine peers in common and noble causes.
According to Ezera Gabula, the Iganga district boss, young people living with disabilities should be prioritized, extending basic services like education, healthcare, and clothing, among others, to them. Gabula, who is also a PWD, calls for bursary schemes towards children in schools and hailed Integrated Disabled Women Activities (IDIWA) for facilitating the education of impaired children in Busoga and beyond.
Headed by the Executive Director, Ms. Elizabeth Kayanga, IDIWA has, through several initiatives, promoted awareness and sensitized communities about the importance of inclusivity and engagement of PWDs in programs that enhance human livelihood.
Ms. Kayanga, during her remarks, elaborated on the significance of innovation among the PWDs, emphasizing the need for effective access to social digital platforms like Facebook to raise awareness and passive markets for products. She states that PWDs deserve digital empowerment to transform lives and urged the government to provide electronic devices to them.
She encouraged parents and caretakers to refrain from hiding impaired children, denying them crucial services, which she described as a human rights abuse.
