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Despite these difficulties, promoting political participation for people with disabilities on an equal basis with others is an important part of the empowerment process.
Until more people with disabilities participate, their voices will not be heard and their right to equity and access to the health, education, livelihood, and social sectors will be restricted.
Learn how the National Union of Disabled Persons was able to successfully lobby for changes in Uganda
The National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) was formed in 1987 to advocate for the equalization of opportunities for people with disabilities, and for their involvement and participation in the policy, planning and implementation of disability programmes in close partnership with the government, civil society and the general public. After many years of political lobbying by NUDIPU, people with disabilities are now represented by five parliamentarians, and also by many councillors in local governments at district and sub-county levels.
Like many countries, Uganda has laws which relate to people with disabilities and penalties for those who do not adhere to the law.
Similar laws exist in many countries, but often implementation is poor and the public unaware of the existence and implications of the laws. NUDIPU believes that “If users don’t come out to claim/demand their rights, then the related acts may remain on paper and the intended users may never benefit”.
The Centenary Rural Development Bank Ltd in Gulu, Uganda, was not accessible for people with disabilities. The building had several steps which made it difficult for people with mobility impairmentsto enter. NUDIPU discussed this issue with the bank, but the bank refused to modify the building entrance to make it accessible.
NUDIPU took the matter to court and, after a series of hearings, the judge ruled in favour of NUDIPU, directing the Bank to make their building accessible, and to cover all the court expenses incurred by NUDIPU. As a result of the court case, Centenary Bank management directed all branches throughout the country to ensure their premises were accessible for people with disabilities.
The Gulu experience sets a good example for the disability movement. People with disabilities and their family members need to have political awareness to achieve their rights. It has also proved that people must be mobilized and organized in order to advocate for their rights and bring about change in their communities.
