Empowering women, persons with disabilities in Uganda’s natural resource management

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OPINION

By Rosemary Nakijoba in Uppsala, Sweden              

In 2008, Uganda ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), marking a significant commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Since then, the government has launched numerous initiatives, including Special Grants, aimed at empowering PWDs and ensuring their inclusion in various development frameworks, notably the Parish Development Model (PDM). Collaborating with stakeholders such as the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda has been crucial in these efforts.

Despite these advancements, the impact of climate change has intensified competition for natural resources, particularly in post-war Northern Uganda. The government's resettlement program, initiated in 2006, has disproportionately affected women and PWDs, who face significant obstacles in accessing and managing resources. A recent survey from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) reveals that approximately 13.2% of Uganda’s population, or about 4.5 million individuals, live with some form of disability. Within this group, women often encounter additional barriers, making their empowerment essential for sustainable resource management.

Women with disabilities face unique challenges. Many lack access to crucial information regarding their rights and available resources, hindering their ability to advocate for themselves in mediation processes. Societal stigma often devalues their contributions, making it difficult for them to assert their rights and participate fully in community discussions. Additionally, women with disabilities are frequently sidelined in decision-making processes, limiting their influence over issues that directly impact their lives, particularly in resource management.

To effectively address these challenges, specific policy changes are necessary to promote inclusive mediation and align with traditional conflict resolution methods like Mato Oput.

First, the Persons with Disabilities Act should be amended to explicitly include provisions for inclusive mediation practices that prioritise the voices of women and PWDs.

This could involve establishing legal quotas for their representation in decision-making bodies related to natural resource management, ensuring they have guaranteed access to resources, and strengthening provisions against discrimination.

Implementing Disability Equality Training (DET) programs tailored to local leaders and mediators is also vital. These sessions can help shift attitudes from traditional and medical models of disability to a social model based on human rights.

By conscientising participants, DET fosters a deeper appreciation for the rights and capabilities of PWDs, promoting a more inclusive society.

Access to information is another critical area for improvement. Developing accessible materials regarding mediation processes for PWDs, including formats such as braille and sign language, will ensure comprehensive understanding, particularly for women.

Strengthening partnerships with Disabled Persons' Organisations (DPOs) can further empower women and PWDs by involving them in the design and implementation of programs affecting their lives. Successful community engagement strategies, such as participatory budgeting and inclusive community forums, can enhance their participation.

Local actions have already demonstrated the potential for positive change. In various regions, local leaders and clan elders have effectively mediated disputes involving women and PWDs, employing culturally relevant approaches that resonate with community values. Community discussions facilitated by local leaders have focused on the rights of women and PWDs, increasing awareness and support for inclusive practices.

Additionally, successful initiatives like inclusive education programs and community-based rehabilitation schemes have shown promise in enhancing the lives of women with disabilities.

These programs provide vocational training and support, enabling individuals with disabilities to integrate into local economies and participate actively in community life.

To assess the effectiveness of inclusive resource management, several metrics can be employed.

Tracking participation rates of women and PWDs in decision-making processes and mediation forums, measuring improvements in access to resources before and after policy implementations, and conducting surveys to gauge community attitudes toward inclusion are all important steps.

Monitoring changes in legal frameworks and the representation of women and PWDs in leadership positions related to resource management will further contribute to understanding the impact of these initiatives.

The adverse effects of climate change exacerbate existing social inequalities, particularly affecting women with disabilities who report increased challenges in accessing resources during climate-related crises. This vulnerability highlights the urgent need for inclusive policies that consider the unique experiences of women and PWDs in resource management discussions.

By promoting inclusive practices, we can amplify the voices of all community members, particularly women and PWDs, in discussions surrounding natural resource management. This call to action serves as an appeal for policy change and a reminder of our collective responsibility to create an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to participate in managing our natural resources.

The path toward inclusivity requires commitment from all stakeholders, including government bodies, local leaders, and community members.

By implementing the recommended policies and fostering collaboration, we can ensure that women and PWDs are not only heard but also actively participate in shaping their futures and contributing to sustainable development. With unity and effort, we can build a more equitable society for all.

The writer is an Assoc. Professor and an Awardee of the 2025 Nordic Africa Institute African Scholarship Programme based at Uppsala University, Sweden. She is also the Dean of Faculty of Sciences, Arts and Humanities at Muteesa I Royal University.