Gov't told to enact law on PWDs employment

Govt asked to outlaw on PWDs employment

Ramadhan Abbey

Government has been asked to introduce a law that specifically compels employers to consider People with disabilities (PWDs) for employment opportunities.

The call was made at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council in Old Kampala, during the launch of the disabled Vocational Training Centre.

The chairman of the Ummah Muslim Disabled Association Mahad Kasekende said such a move would banish discrimination against the group.

"We want the government to put in place a law that will give chance to disabled people to get employment opportunities without discrimination," Kasekende said.

He noted that many disabled persons have employment skills but because of their physical appearance, prospective employers shun them.

"We need new laws that will force employers to give disabled people a chance to work like others and this will reduce on the number of disabled people on the roads," he stated.

One of the PWDs, Nish Zebu, a journalism graduate with a diploma, said she completed studies two years ago but employment opportunities have not come her way, owing to her condition.

''Because of discrimination from able-bodied people especially the employers, we end up on streets begging yet we can compete with the able-bodied when given the chance'' Zebu said.

She hailed UMSC for setting the centre, saying it will promote unity and realize the potential of PWDs and their value to the community. 

Hussein Minala, also a disabled graduate, decried his predicament, saying he has the requisite academic qualifications and skills but failed to get a job

''We have the skill and capability of working but because of our nature, nobody can employer us'' Minala explained.

Minala regretted that even during the ongoing campaigns, politicians have shunned them.

Sulaiman Ssekisambu, the adviser of Ummah Muslim Disabled Association, said with new KCCA laws which emphasize a city free from beggars, the institute will empower them to change their fortunes.

"We want to mobilize and train all disabled people to have skills and start their own business instead of begging. This will help them to develop and improve on their livelihood,'' Ssekisambu said.

Ssekisambu added that the PWDs will be empowered to get market for their produce.