EC, PWDs discuss inclusivity

ELECTION WATCH

The Electoral Commission (EC) has held a meeting with a group of lawyers and activists to discuss effective inclusion of people with disability in the electoral processes.

The Commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama assured them that no Ugandan will be deprived of a right to vote in the forthcoming elections.

The group used the occasion to present a petition to the Commission citing several grounds that may hinder the participation of PWDs in the 2020-2021 electoral processes. 

Yasin Sentumbwe, the managing director Gain Confidence Africa who led the group, demanded that EC comes up with a clear plan of promoting effective participation of all persons in the election process.

He alleged that the 2020-2021 scientific election roadmap excludes persons with disabilities which contravene the doctrine of legitimate expectation which requires that EC to consult all stakeholders before taking action.

"It was clearly made without consideration of PWDs and their right to participate in the electoral process," he said.

According to the 2014 National Population and Household Census, persons with disabilities comprise about 12.4% of Uganda's population.

It is trite knowledge according to Sentumbwe that they continue to face gross stigmatization, discrimination, marginalization and violation of their rights.

He said that PWDs visual and hearing impairments were at a great disadvantage with the scientific electoral process.

Byabakama who apologized for some omissions such as lack of emphasis on sign language interpreters said the commission was committed to anon-discriminatory electoral process.

"The commission is here to serve all the stakeholders in their own rights and specifications," he said.

He however said that EC is limited by the legal framework in implementing some of the recommendations saying that it would require parliament to amend the electoral laws first.