Published on 04/12/2023
President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Ministry of Health and Gender to intensify efforts in promoting immunization & emphasized the crucial role immunization plays in preventing disabilities among infants when followed according to schedules given by the health workers.
Minister for Gender, Betty Amongi, highlighted the government’s commitment to tackling the lack of assistive devices, a pressing issue forcing many disabled individuals to crawl.
She revealed the president’s directive to subsidize the cost of these devices, ensuring accessibility for the economically disadvantaged disabled community.
“Immunization is a powerful tool to deter disabilities in children, and the government is taking concrete steps to make assistive devices more affordable for those who need them,” stated Minister Betty Among.
However, persons with disabilities expressed concerns over continued marginalization, even in government-funded initiatives like Emyooga and the Parish Development Model.
Members of Parliament representing persons with disabilities, Hon Kanushu Laura and Hon Achan Joyce, voiced the community’s frustration at being denied access to financial support promised by the government.
“We demand equal participation and access to government programs. Denying us the funds allocated for district councillors is a clear injustice,” stressed Hon Achan Joyce.
Furthermore, there is discontent among the disabled community regarding the government’s failure to deliver on its promise of 10 million shillings to each district councillor.
Hon Asamo Grace, the State Minister for Persons with Disabilities Affairs, acknowledged these grievances and affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing them.
In a united call, representatives of persons with disabilities urged the government to increase their grant from the current 16 billion to 30 billion shillings.
This financial boost is seen as essential to adequately support the diverse needs of the disabled population across the country.
As Uganda commemorates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, these developments mark a significant step forward in addressing the challenges faced by the disabled community, with a renewed focus on healthcare and accessibility.
