Kadaga makes case for PWDs rights, local products

Oct 30, 2018

The Speaker is also tasked with supporting Bumote Disabled Unit in the district.

RIGHTS

"I don't even know whether there is a PWD [person with disability] employed by Bundibugyo local government town council."

That was the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, decrying the discrimination against PWDs during the opening of a women's conference in the district on Sunday.

She vowed to use her position to fight for their rights.

Kadaga said she had received complaints from PWDs about being discriminated against in schools, hospitals and the civil service.

She struck a tone of assurance that she is working towards ensuring that PWDs' interests are catered for in sectors such as health and justice.

"On the issue of justice, last year, while vetting judges, we asked them to plan for interpreters to help people who are deaf during court sessions.

"In the health sector, we have asked the Minister of Health to train nurses and other officials in sign languages that PWDs understand."

Kadaga was in Bundibugyo last weekend. (Courtesy photo)

The Speaker was tasked with supporting Bumote Disabled Unit in the district. Apparently, a similar request had been laid out to her on a recent visit to Rukungiri district.

She pledged to send a committee of Parliament to visit the unit.

"We are soon starting the budget cycle. I will send a committee to visit the unit and the school for disabled in Rukungiri such that they make a comprehensive report to inform the budget process," said Kadaga.

On her part, Bundibugyo district woman MP Josephine Bebona, who initiated the women's conference, said the meeting would address a wide range of issues, including economic empowerment, maternal and child health and gender inclusiveness.

Domestic violence, hygiene and sanitation and girl child education as the other areas of interest.

Impressed by the skillfully made items, such as baskets, exhibited during the conference, Kadaga pledged to organise an expo at Parliament for showcasing Ugandan-made products.

"These could be things you could sell in a supermarket in many countries" she said.

Uganda should target the AGOA [African Growth and Opportunity Act] market and enable even ordinary Ugandans to sell their products to neighbouring countries, Kadaga added.