Stakeholders and disability rights advocates in Kabale District have called for stricter enforcement of laws promoting the rights and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), raising concern over the increasing number of public and private buildings being constructed without essential accessibility features such as ramps.
The concerns were raised during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) at Kirigime Guest House in Kabale Municipality on Tuesday. The meeting brought together district and municipal leaders, representatives from government departments, the Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), and leaders of Persons with Disabilities to review progress in disability inclusion and set priorities for the new financial year.
Speaking at the meeting, NUDIPU Programmes Officer for Kabale District, Deogracious Niwagyira, said many newly constructed buildings continue to exclude Persons with Disabilities because they lack ramps and other disability-friendly facilities.
He noted that as Kabale continues to develop, all infrastructure should be designed to accommodate everyone, regardless of physical ability. Niwagyira urged local governments to strictly enforce building standards requiring accessibility features, warning that failure to comply continues to deny Persons with Disabilities access to government offices, health facilities, schools and private business premises.
He also called on government departments to integrate disability inclusion into their programmes and budgets to ensure equitable service delivery.
Responding to the concerns, Kabale District Principal Assistant Secretary Gordon Manzi acknowledged that although accessibility features are included in approved building plans, some developers alter the designs during construction or remove ramps after completion.
He said the district only approves building plans that meet accessibility standards but admitted that enforcement remains a challenge due to non-compliance by some developers.
Manzi pledged that the district would strengthen enforcement of building regulations and ensure supervising engineers closely monitor construction projects so completed buildings conform to approved inclusive designs.
Kabale District Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration, Miria Akankwasa Tugume, also urged public institutions and private developers to prioritise disability inclusion in all infrastructure projects. She stressed the need for strict enforcement of existing laws to guarantee that all public buildings are fitted with ramps and other facilities that enable Persons with Disabilities to access services without discrimination.
During the meeting, officials from various departments highlighted ongoing efforts to improve services for Persons with Disabilities.
The District Education Office revealed that special needs education continues to face staffing shortages, with only about 21 specialised teachers serving more than 200 learners with disabilities across the district. Officials called for increased recruitment and training of teachers in special needs education and sign language.
Health officials said Persons with Disabilities remain a priority group and noted that new health infrastructure is being designed with accessibility in mind. They added that specialised staff continue to provide services tailored to the needs of Persons with Disabilities.
Kabale District Physical Planner Emma Turyagyenda attributed many accessibility challenges to developers who alter approved building plans after obtaining construction permits, removing disability-friendly features. He called for closer supervision of construction projects to ensure compliance.
Meanwhile, NIRA District Registrar Billy Basulwa assured participants that the authority remains committed to providing national identification services to Persons with Disabilities, including outreach registration for those unable to travel to registration centres. He also encouraged parents and guardians to register all eligible children aged 10 years and above for future national identity cards.
Representatives of Persons with Disabilities also raised concerns over barriers to employment, saying many qualified applicants are discouraged from applying for jobs due to fear of discrimination and challenges in obtaining certified academic documents.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from government departments, development partners and disability rights advocates to strengthen collaboration in removing barriers facing Persons with Disabilities and ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, employment and other essential public services.
