This week we were thrilled to launch the Global Disability Commitments, a significant milestone in our journey towards promoting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
This achievement is a testament to our collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Development, particularly the Disability Department.
Our vision is clear: we want persons with disabilities to live meaningful and dignified lives. To achieve this, we have been working tirelessly to amplify their voices in all sectors. The Global Disability Commitments are a crucial step in this direction, and we are committed to ensuring their implementation.
We urge all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to join hands with us in implementing these Commitments. We cannot leave the burden solely on our Mother Ministry. Together, we can make a difference and create a more inclusive society.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all partners involved in developing these Commitments.
We are eager to see these commitments translated into actionable steps that will positively impact the lives of persons with disabilities, Shares Ms Esther Kyozira CEO.
*Strengthening Partnerships for Disability
We are delighted to announce that Schauer German Ambassador has expressed keen interest in supporting disability affairs.
This development underscores the importance of collaboration in promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
NUDIPU-Uganda should maintain its interest in the National Development Plan IV.
NUDIPU must continue to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities, promote accessibility, and support the use of sign language to enhance participation in society.
According to Minster of Disability Hellen Grace Asamo, The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development reaffirms its commitment to implementing the Global Disability Commitments, aligning with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and (CRDP) and Vision 2040.
Our goal is to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities through legislative and policy reforms.
Key Initiatives
Enacting laws: They are dedicated to enacting laws that promote the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure their full participation in society.
Representation in elective positions: We aim to ensure full representation of persons with disabilities in elective positions, empowering their voices to be heard.
The Minister urges development partners and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities to mobilize resources and complement government efforts to implement these commitments.
Collective Progress
By working together, we can achieve meaningful progress in promoting disability rights and inclusion.
We look forward to continued collaboration with all stakeholders to make this vision a reality, shares Minister Asamo.
NUDIPU’s suggested strategies
To achieve this goal, NUDIPU has put in place the following strategies:
- Empowerment of PWDs: NUDIPU will continue to empower persons with disabilities to participate in GDS processes, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
- Dialogue Meetings: NUDIPU will hold dialogue meetings with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to provide a forum for reflection, learning, and sharing best practices.
- Direct Implementation: NUDIPU will implement projects that foster GDS implementation, promoting disability inclusion and accessibility.
- Strategic Collaborations: NUDIPU will collaborate with the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, as well as other duty bearers, to ensure effective implementation of GDS Commitments.
Recommendations for Fostering GDS Implementation in Uganda
- Involvement of PWDs: PWDs and their representative organizations should be actively involved in GDS implementation processes.
- Strengthening Coordination: The coordination mechanism with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for GDS implementation should be strengthened.
- Financing Disability Programs: Projects on disability programs that align with GDS goals should be financed, with consideration for the 15% International Development Cooperation supporting persons with disabilities.
- Documenting Best Practices: Best practices on GDS implementation should be documented to strengthen evidence reporting and inform future programming.
