PWDs in renewed push for job equality

KAMPALA - People with Disabilities (PWDs) have renewed calls of them being presented with equal employment opportunities.

At a meeting in Kampala recently, the group under their umbrella body National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda, asked human resource officers to champion their efforts on job equality.

Ambrose Murangira, who is the executive director Uganda National Association for the Deaf (UNAD), said HR managers are best placed within organisations to adjust policies to fit the needs of PWDs.

Most importantly, he talked of the need for a conducive working environment for PWDs.

The meeting discussed individual attributes that make physically-handicapped people more likely to get employment as well strive in their chosen jobs.

 A participant uses sign language during the meerting. (Credit: Saudha Nakadha)

On their part, PWDs said there is still job discrimination and inequality in the country, a reason they say many of them are poor.

 "Although legislation provides the framework for employment of PWDs in the private sector, we found that the majority of PWDs are still working in the informal sector," said program officer Deborah Oyuu.

The Equal opportunity Act, 2006 and the Employment Act prohibit discrimination of persons in employment based on disability.

 Evelyn Angeyo, the HR manager of Jubilee Insurance, urged activists to push for increased recognition of PWDs' rights at all levels.

Cathy Tamale, the human resource and administration manager at The AIDS Support Organization (TASO), advised PWDs to package themselves for jobs if they are to relatively compete with their able-bodied counterparts.

To add voice to that advice, UNAD's Murangira called for increased interaction of PWDs with prospective employers.

"We have platforms but most of our colleagues are not yet active. If we use them we shall be known by different people who can connect us to job opportunities."