KAMPALA – The Electoral Commission of Uganda has launched a nationwide initiative to identify and map Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on the National Voters Register from November 4th to 13th, 2024. This exercise aims to promote inclusive participation in the upcoming 2025/2026 General Elections, ensuring that all eligible citizens, regardless of their abilities, can exercise their right to vote.
Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, emphasizes the importance of identifying PWDs at the village level to compile necessary registers for elections involving Special Interest Groups. This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring equal opportunities for PWDs to participate in the democratic process.
The exercise will identify PWDs under various categories, including physical disability, hearing disability, visual disability, deaf and blind disability, mental disability, little people, albinism, and multiple disability. This comprehensive approach will enable the Electoral Commission to better understand the specific needs of PWDs and provide appropriate support.
To achieve this goal, the Electoral Commission will work closely with Village Local Councils and Parish Supervisors. These local leaders will convene meetings at the village level to identify and verify PWDs, ensuring that all eligible individuals are registered on the National Voters Register.
The exercise will also provide an opportunity for PWDs to verify their registration status and update their information if necessary. Additionally, the Electoral Commission will identify and address any barriers that may hinder PWDs’ participation in electoral activities.
The expected outcomes of this exercise include a credible PWD Register, disaggregated data on disability per category per village/parish, inclusive voter education materials, and conveniently located polling stations for persons with physical disabilities.
By conducting this exercise, the Electoral Commission demonstrates its commitment to inclusive elections, ensuring PWDs can exercise their right to vote without hindrance. This initiative is a significant step towards promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in Uganda’s electoral process.
The Electoral Commission urges all stakeholders, including PWDs, local leaders, and civil society organizations, to participate in this exercise and provide support to ensure its success. Together, they can help create a more inclusive and equitable electoral process for all Ugandans.
This initiative is also in line with Uganda’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to vote for all citizens, including PWDs. By promoting inclusive participation, the Electoral Commission is upholding the principles of democracy and human rights.
The success of this exercise will have a lasting impact on Uganda’s electoral process, promoting greater inclusivity and participation for PWDs in future elections.
