Govt to reward businesses promoting disability inclusion

The Ministry of Gender Labor and Social Development has launched the inaugural annual disability inclusion awards, aimed at recognizing the private sector that is impacting people with disability through various innovations.

The initiative will award those businesses and companies that have impacted the disability community through innovations that have created employment for disabled people, but also enabled them to participate fully, access and benefit from all services offered to the public.

This was revealed by the minister of state for persons with disability Hellen Asamo while launching the inaugural awards on Friday (December 06) at the residence of the British High Commissioner in Kampala.

 “We welcome partnerships from different entities to award those who have made significant progress in breaking barriers and meaningfully including Persons with Disabilities in their day-to-day operations,” Asamo said.

She added that the awards will among others recognize outstanding contributions to disability inclusion, will encourage private sector business, organizations and individuals to prioritize disability inclusion, raise awareness about disability issues and the importance of inclusion, and inspire others to implement inclusive practices among others.

Categories that will be considered for the awards include the Accessibility impact Award, which recognizes companies/ institutions with outstanding digital and physical accessibility programs.

Hellen Grace Asamo, Disability Affairs state minister, Esther Kyozira , NUDIPU CEO, Prosper Muhumuza, Disability and Elderly Affairs Commissioner, Phillip Elks, British High Commission Human Development Team leader, Francis Magambe Byaruhanga, NMS Infrastructure pose for a photo during the inauguration of the annual disability inclusion awards at the British High Commission’s residence in Nakasero on December 6, 2024.

Autism Inclusion Company of the Year – recognizes companies with innovative policies and strategies for hiring, retaining and advancing autistic colleagues.

Inclusive Business of the Year will go to companies with exemplary disability inclusion practices in the workplace, marketplace and supply chain.

For an organization to win, they will be selected based on the criteria set by the organizers who include the Minister of Gender, Labor and Social Development.

For example, nominees must have significantly contributed to advancing disability rights, accessibility and inclusion. There must be a measurable impact on disability inclusion, demonstration of leadership and commitment to disability inclusion among others, explained Prosper Muhumuza, the commissioner of disability and elderly affairs in the gender ministry.

For the sustainability of the awards, Alex Ndeezi, Member of Parliament representing the persons with disability called for sustainability ways through which the awards can leave beyond 2025.

Commenting on the development, Lisa Chesney MBE, the British High Commissioner to Uganda commended the Ministry of Gender for the initiative. 

“Having inclusive businesses does not only contribute to a fairer society but also drives innovation and growth. By prioritizing accessibility and opportunity for all these businesses will help to ensure everyone can fulfil their potential,” she said.

She reiterated the UK’s commitment to partnerships that drive social inclusion across a broad range of sectors including celebrating the champions of inclusivity, that the government is currently pursuing.