The Electoral Commission Uganda, through its Social Responsibility Initiative, is proud to be one of the key sponsors of the Kampala Disability Festival, taking place today, November 16, at the KCCA Gardens under the theme “Celebrating Abilities.” This event sheds light on the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), particularly wheelchair users, in accessing vital infrastructure in Kampala, while also celebrating their resilience and achievements.
This sponsorship aligned with the national exercise to identify and map People with Disabilities on the National Voters Register (NVR), which ran from November 4 to November 13. The aim is to enhance their participation in electoral processes, including elections for their representatives and other national elections. Unlike other Special Interest Groups (SIGs), whose data can be easily extracted from the NVR, registering PWDs has been more complex, as this information is often only captured during updates to the register.
The Electoral Commission has encountered significant challenges in ensuring the inclusion of PWDs in Uganda’s electoral processes. These include insufficient data for effective planning, difficulty identifying and categorizing types of disabilities, locating PWDs for outreach, limited literacy levels among visually impaired individuals requiring Braille, and the variation in sign language use across different communities. The festival provides a critical platform for the Commission to engage with the PWD community, enhance its visibility, and better understand their needs to support inclusive democracy.
During the event, PWDs highlighted the need for improved communication support. They requested that the Electoral Commission come along with an interpreter to such festivals in the future, so that communication can be eased and their concerns better addressed.
Beyond electoral participation, the event also highlights the broader issue of accessibility for PWDs. According to the Situational Analysis of Persons with Disabilities in Uganda, released by the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development in 2020, 4% of adults with disabilities experience walking impairments, making it the second most common disability in the country. This number is expected to grow as the prevalence of disabilities increases by 2050. Many individuals rely on assistive devices like wheelchairs, emphasizing the need for a barrier-free environment with ramps, elevators, and other facilities that promote independence and dignity.
The Kampala Disability Festival is a powerful reminder of the need to remove barriers and create inclusive spaces for all. By participating in and supporting this event, the Electoral Commission reaffirms its commitment to empowering every Ugandan, ensuring that no one is left behind in the democratic process.
By Rehemah Nassuna
ADEA- Kawempe Division