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2.3.4 Uganda

The National Population and Housing census 2002 established the number of PWDs as 2.5million. This indicates that out of 100 persons, 25 are PWDs. It therefore calls for recognition and inclusion of PWDs into the development process of the country. The policy and legal instruments addresses mainstreaming disability issues in different national programs.

Legislation

  • The 1995 Constitution makes provision for PWDs
  • The People with Disabilities Act 2006
  • Children’s Statute of 1996 which emphasizes the non discrimination of children with disabilities
  • Parliamentary Elections Statute of 1996 provides for 5 representatives of PWDs in Parliament; at least one of whom should be a woman, and the use of a sign language where applicable
  • The Uganda Communications Act of 1997 provides for development of techniques and technologies that facilitate accessibility to communications services by PWDs
  • The Land Act of 1998 provides that any transactions on customary land that discriminates on PWDs shall be null and void
  • The Foundation of the Blind Act of 1959
  • The Local Government Act Cap 1997 gives PWDs seats at all levels of Local Governments
  • The Equal Opportunities Act 2008
  • The Uganda Truck and Road safety Act of 1989 – PWDs should not be denied driving permits on the basis of disability.

Policies

  • Uganda ratified the UN Convention on the rights of PWDs in 2008, therefore the Disability Act of 2003 is to be reviewed in line with this Convention
  • Uganda developed a National Policy on Disability in 2006 to meet the concerns of PWDs. The policy is in line with the international instruments and the ILO Convention 159
  • The policy on Universal Primary Education prioritises for children with disabilities
  • The Universal Secondary Education policy also provides for PWDs

Programmes

  • Training in Vocational Rehabilitation targeting the youth and adults who are non- literates
  • The National Community Based Rehabilitation uses a comprehensive approach that targets PWDs and their families and communities
  • A special programme on victims’ assistance to cater for land mine and explosives survivors
  • There is a coordination mechanism which brings together all the organizations working with PWDs to streamline their work
  • There is a Disability Desk in the Ministry of Health
  • There is a department in charge of PWDs in the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development and the Minister of State in charge of disability and elderly persons
  • The Special Needs Education response in UNEB in place
  • The Government also provides for affirmative action for PWDs entering higher institutions of learning under which they are given 1.5 extra points
  • Special grants for PWDs
  • Literacy program for PWDs
  • The guidelines for Civil works has been developed and distributed to all stakeholders to implement the Act

Challenges

  • The Vocational Rehabilitation is limited in capacity and expensive to maintain
  • Negative attitudes on disability still prevail and parents still hide children with disabilities
  • Inaccessible environment standards as a hindrance to PWDs
  • The Building Control bill is being discussed
  • There is limited awareness on disability issues
  • PWDs cannot access employment quite easily

Recommendation

Uganda would like to propose a structure to be put in place at the East African Region to follow up these matters and ensure that the policies and laws are properly implemented.

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