Miss Tourism Uganda aspirant Michelle Kembabazi has called for the provision of inclusive social services to ensure persons with disabilities (PWDs) can access essential services and participate fully in national development.
Kembabazi made the call on Tuesday at Fairway Hotel in Kampala after attending a graduation ceremony organised by Okarimu Academy for people with disabilities who had completed life skills training.
The academy runs the programme in partnership with tourism companies, hotels and other stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector.
The graduation ceremony was attended by representatives from several players in the sector, including the Uganda Tourism Board.
Kembabazi, a Kabale University student, was among the special guests at the event after emerging as the first runner-up in the Miss Tourism Uganda pageant for the South-western region.
She said many public facilities remain inaccessible to PWDs, while the absence of sign language interpreters at health facilities continues to limit access to essential services.
“It’s time we started planning to build schools, hospitals, markets, offices and other public facilities with accessibility for all people in consideration. Just like all of us, PWDs need these services, and their contribution to national development is equally important,” she said.
Kembabazi also urged authorities to deploy sign language interpreters at key points of social service delivery, particularly health facilities.
“Imagine a woman with hearing or speech impairment who comes alone for a medical check-up at a hospital, only to find no one available to help her communicate her needs. Many of them end up not receiving the exact services they require,” she said.
She commended Okarimu Academy for supporting PWDs through skills development and called on individuals, organisations and businesses to support initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of people with disabilities.
Kembabazi is among the contestants seeking the Miss Tourism Uganda national crown, with voting scheduled to start on August 15.
Three contestants qualified from each regional competition and will compete for the national title.
The contestants are currently undergoing training at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) ahead of their official unveiling to the public and media on Friday.
The final event is scheduled for September 4.
