Chances of deaf getting employed 'very limited'

People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Uganda have complained about lack of employment despite them having graduated in various disciplines.

They say there is discriminatory hiring policy in many establishments.

One such group, under their umbrella organization Uganda National Association of the Deaf (UNAD) said potential employers consider their disability over their qualifications to deliver on jobs.

Ambrose Murangira, UNAD's executive director, said the labour market in Uganda presents multiple hurdles for the deaf and other PWDs to overcome if they are to be absorbed into the job market.

"The chances of the deaf people getting employed are very limited. We are not employed in public service and mainstream organizations," he said.

Murangira added that PWDs are always the last to be hired and have been relegated to working only in Disabled People's Organizations (DPOs) and in the informal sector.

A recent Disability Rights Coalition report suggests that employees with disabilities should at all time not be less than 5% for private employers and 10% for public service.

Joseph Mbulamwana, an advocacy coordinator, said PWDs have not benefited from the government program of Youth Livelihood Fund.  They now want the program be reviewed to cater for the PWDs.

"We feel government is not catering for us," he said.

The group also wants affirmative action as a means of increasing their absorption in the labour market. Without such action, more employers will not feel a sense of obligation to employ the deaf and PWDs, said Mbulamwana.

"Affirmative action will be a key tool for us to push for increased numbers in the job market."