Jinja Resident District Commissioner, Richard Gulume Balyaino has decried the rampant theft of funds meant for the enhancement of the livelihoods of People With Disabilities.
Gulume says some merciless office bearers eat even from the marginalised, something that has hampered government programs geared towards the uplifting of the wellbeing of the different categories of Ugandans.
Gulume made the remarks while officiating at the celebrations to mark the International day of PWDs for Busoga subregion held at Busoga square, Jinja city.
The event was organized by Busoga district local governments with support from development partners whose focus is on advocating for the well-being of the PWD.
The commemoration which is globally recognized was attended by a fleet of stakeholders including government authorities and civil society organizations.
The annual event serves as a platform in advocating for rights and opportunities, accessibility and removal of barriers that hinder full participation of PWDs.
This year’s theme is “The role of Innovation in Disability Inclusion.”
“But those swindling funds meant for the PWDs should know that actions shall be taken against them for undermining the transformation of disabled individuals,” he warned.
The RDC rallies government authorities and other stakeholders to spearhead elimination of stigma and discriminations against PWDs in communites, advocating for special care and treatment in health facilities, schools and other public entities and commended organizations for empowering and fighting for PWDs.
“It is very wonderful that some families are supported and facilitated by women with disabilities. It is really signifies the important roles played by these people and thus deserve empowerment,” notes Gulume and acknowledged the government’s policy of involving and recognizing PWDs at all levels including political and technical positions.
He believes that unity among PWDs is a core factor in development, challenging impaired individuals who undermine peers in common and noble causes.
According to Ezera Gabula, the Iganga district boss, the young people living with disabilities should be prioritized, extending basic services like education, health care and clothing among others to them. Gabula who is also a PWD calls for bursary schemes towards children in schools and hailed Integrated Disabled Women Activities (IDIWA) for facilitating the education of impaired children in Busoga and beyond.
Headed by the Executive Director, Ms Elizabeth Kayanga, IDIWA has through several initiatives promoted awareness and sensitized communities about the importance of inclusivity and engagement of PWDs in programs that enhance human livelihood.
Ms Kayanga during her remarks elaborated the significance of innovation among the PWDs, emphasizing the need for effective access to social digital platforms like facebook to raise awareness and passive markets of products. She states that PWDs deserve the digital empowerment to transform lives and urged government to provide electronic devices to them.
She encouraged parents and caretakers to refrain from hiding impaired children, denying them crucial services which she described as a human rights abuse.
