PWDs root for empowerment projects inclusion

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IGANGA

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) have called on local governments to prioritise their inclusion in empowerment programmes, a tailored initiative to address the unique challenges they face.

Speaking at a dialogue organised by Integrated Disabled Women Activities (IDIWA) a disability rights organisation, they underscored the importance of equitable access to resources and opportunities for sustainable development.

The December 13, 2024, event at Fort Laggard Hotel in Iganga district was under the theme: Improved household incomes for the well-being of PWDs.

“PWDs particularly women and girls are often left out of key community development programmes due to stigma and inaccessible infrastructure because of lack of awareness, this exclusion has perpetuated cycles of poverty and dependency,” Shamim Wokobera, a PWD of short stature, said.

Wokobera, also a youth board member of the National Union of Disabled Persons Uganda (NUDIPU), said local governments must recognise inclusion is not optional but a fundamental right where PWDs should be given a chance because they have the potential to contribute to society just like anyone else.

Wokobera emphasized areas like economic empowerment which is critically needed including projects like vocational training, financial literacy and special credit funds for PWDs and adapted to accommodate individuals with varying disabilities.

She said empowerment begins with acknowledgement, local governments should involve them in planning and implementation because they uplift individuals and strengthen the entire community.

Sarah Nabirye, a youth councillor from Bugiri district, said PWD’s should be involved in decision-making, education, and skills development.

“With limited access to education and skills training, many PWDs, especially women and girls, are unable to compete in the labour market. Once empowered as caretakers of homes, it will help in decision making and choice economic of activity out of skills development to avoid poverty and dependency,” Nabirye said.

She called for affirmative action and inclusion in health-related empowerment projects particularly for women who face barriers in accessing reproductive health services.

Inclusive policies

Ezra Gabula, the Iganga district chairperson and also a short-stature PWD, urged local governments to adopt inclusive policies and practices for recruiting PWDs in the job sector to help reduce stigma and discrimination.

He called for accessible Infrastructure at public entities like banks, government offices, health facilities and other commercial buildings to be disability-friendly.

“At Iganga district local government, we have taken a step to employment PWDs and also appoint the secretary for finance a PWD. We have also gone ahead to build ramps at the offices to easily be accessed, a sign of inclusion and reducing stigma,” he said.

Gabula suggested that during budget allocations, specific funds should be allocated to projects targeting PWDs while they should also inform them about their rights and capabilities.

During the dialogue where they launched the PWD’s ordinance for the year 2025-2026, Gabula said Iganga district is under review of its current policies and identifying gaps in inclusion adding that they have already begun piloting inclusive programs like disability-friendly vocational training centres and community savings groups.

“We are committed to leaving no one behind, PWDs are an integral part of our community and their empowerment is key to achieving sustainable development,” he said.

He noted that as they push for inclusion gains, stakeholders need continuous advocacy and collaboration between PWDs, local governments, and development partners on inclusive empowerment projects because they believe they can break barriers and contribute to their communities by leading fulfilling lives.

“True empowerment means creating equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their abilities. Together we can build a society where no one is left behind,” he said.

Eliminating discrimination

Petua Babirye Isabirye from the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) said the commission works to eliminate discrimination and inequalities in all spheres of life to ensure that marginalized groups including PWD’s enjoy their rights on equal footing with others.

“We are here to foster a society where everyone regardless of ability has the opportunity to participate meaningfully in national development because PWDs have affirmative action in the national policy of disability and constitution,” she said.

Elizebeth Kayanga the chief executive officer of IDIWA said they have impacted over 200 PWDs with various life skills, human rights and advocacy through the paralegal training systems and empowered them with startup capital and knowledge with funds from partner organizations.

Kayanga noted that they have also managed to reach a total of 300 women survivors of violence through the project of ending violence against women and girls with disabilities. Others are sexual and reproductive health rights, PWDs with HIV/AIDS decision-making processes in districts of Bugiri, Kamuli, Kaliro and Mayuge with support from the African Women’s Development Fund (ADWF) and the foreign affairs ministry.

Juma Abdaul the legal officer for IDIWA urged PWDs to use paralegals to settle cases and once they are beyond their status, they should report them to higher levels.

“Don’t be intimidated and feel tortured silently, freely report any cases including GBV, we are here to support you. We have handled 300 cases and all the involved persons under IDIWA have gotten justice, “he said.

He noted that their major challenge was PWD’s mix of poverty and crime where they tend to settle cases like defilement without involvement of the law. He added that recently in Mayuge district, they cased the arrest of seven people who were involved in the settlement of a defilement case for a minor who is a PWD.