Activists for Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) have made a heartfelt appeal to the Luwero District Council, urging a review of an ordinance passed in 2019 that has yet to be implemented.
The ordinance was designed to empower and promote the inclusion of PWDs in service delivery throughout the district.
Specifically, it mandates that at least 10% of all district budget allocations be dedicated to initiatives that benefit PWDs, ensuring that projects are responsive to their unique needs.
Key provisions of the ordinance include the requirement for all district departments to allocate specific resources to address the sexual and reproductive health, education, employment, health, and economic needs of persons with disabilities.
Additionally, the ordinance mandates that all health centers within the district be made accessible, with specific accommodations such as adjustable labor beds provided for expectant women with disabilities.
Another important aspect of the ordinance is the stipulation that the District Planner must present a certificate of gender and equity compliance before any budget is adopted and passed by the district council.
This measure aims to ensure that the needs of PWDs are integrated into the broader planning and budgeting process.
However, despite these well-articulated provisions, the ordinance has remained unimplemented for six years.
According to Allan Kabaale, a lawyer and activist, the ordinance was submitted to the Attorney General for approval after its passage, but it failed to receive the necessary endorsement.
This lack of approval has raised concerns among activists and PWDs who have been left without the support and services promised to them under the ordinance.
Activists are now calling for the Luwero District Council to take immediate action to review the ordinance and work closely with all stakeholders to ensure its implementation.
They argue that enforcing the ordinance is crucial for improving the lives of PWDs in the community, providing them with the necessary resources and support to thrive.
The appeal from disability activists has gained traction, with community members expressing solidarity and urging local leaders to prioritize the needs of PWDs.
They emphasize that meaningful inclusion and accessibility can only occur with the enforcement of this ordinance, which was intended to uplift a marginalized section of society.
As the Luwero District Council prepares to discuss the activists’ appeal, the hope is that genuine dialogue will lead to swift actions that will bring the long-awaited changes envisioned by the ordinance into reality for persons living with disabilities.
As public support grows, community advocates are optimistic that the local government will recognize the urgency of this issue and finally move toward implementing the vital provisions of the ordinance, ultimately fostering a more inclusive environment for all citizens.
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