The Minister of State for Disability Affairs in the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD), Hellen Grace Asamo, has inaugurated the new members of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).

This is the fifth council, and its tenure will run for five years till 2025.

The event which took place at Hotel Africana in Kampala, also saw the election of the new chairperson, Yonnah Wasswa, also doubling as the male representative for Eastern Uganda, and Justine Burisadi the female representative for Western Uganda as his vice-chairperson.

Justine Burisadi, the incoming Vice Chairperson of the National Council for People with Disabilities (NCPD). (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Asamo said the council is supposed to do research and innovation on issues affecting persons living with disabilities, and also carry out training for disabled people to improve on their skills, and be able to fit into the job market.

The NCPD is a public institution established by the Persons with Disabilities Act 2020 as a monitoring and reporting mechanism for disability issues in the country.

The council monitors government institutions, civil society and the private sector through its structures that run from national, district and sub-county levels.

L-R: James Mwesige, Council Member, Yona Wasswa, newly elected Chairperson of the National Council for People with Disabilities (NCPD), Hon. Hellen Asamo and Justine Burisadi , the Vice Chairperson interacting. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

It also comprises eight members from various ministries, including; Local Government, Public Service, Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Finance and Economic Planning, Gender, and Health among others.

It also includes eight regional representatives (male and female representatives) from the four regions, two representatives of the blind, one professional on disability affairs, one representative for NGOs, one from Parliament, one parent of a child with a disability, one representative of the youth with disabilities and on representative of Federation of Uganda Employers.