Lira District, Uganda – Lira District Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) Abang Beatrice Molly Kia has called for continuous advocacy to improve services for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the district.
Speaking during a meeting with the Lira District Disabled Women Association (LIDDWA) at the District Health Office on Wednesday, 9 January 2024, the Deputy RDC highlighted the need for sustained efforts to address the numerous challenges facing PWDs.
Kia recounted the inspiring story of the late Florence Adongo, a former council representative for PWDs in Lira District from the 1980s to the 2000s.
She praised Adongo for her relentless advocacy, which led to the installation of ramps and wheelchair access at international airports.
“I met Adongo in Amsterdam, where she courageously confronted airport officials over dangerous stairways that nearly caused her an accident,” Kia narrated, urging the disabled community to emulate such dedication.
While lauding the NRM government for enacting the National Disability Act and National Gender Policy, Kia stressed that advocacy should be a continuous and collective effort.
“Anyone can become disabled at any time due to unforeseen circumstances. It is our shared responsibility to ensure a supportive and inclusive society for all,” she remarked.
Responding to LIDDWA’s concerns, Kia promised the government’s continued support in tackling key issues, including:
• The lack of affordable sunscreen for albinos.
• Abusive and indifferent attitudes from some healthcare workers toward PWDs.
• Delayed transport of expectant mothers with disabilities to health facilities.
• The absence of ramps in public toilets and other public facilities.
She also called for unity among the disability community and encouraged them to collaborate with the wider public in confronting these issues.
Xola Apio Beatrice, the newly sworn-in Chairperson of LIDDWA, appealed to the government to urgently recruit sign language interpreters in public offices and provide transport for PWDs during emergencies.
She recounted a heartbreaking incident where an expectant woman with a disability lost her child due to delayed transportation to the hospital, calling for swift action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Apio also highlighted the rising prevalence of HIV among girls with hearing impairments, stressing the need for targeted awareness campaigns through sign language interpreters.
She urged unscrupulous health workers who mistreat PWDs to desist from the practice.
Conny Adoch, the new Secretary of LIDDWA, pledged her unwavering support to mobilize resources for the association.
Meanwhile, Joline Akello, the representative of disabled women from Erute North, committed to advocating for equal access to education for all children, whether disabled or not.
“Education is a powerful tool, and no child should be left behind because of disability,” Akello said. She also applauded the NRM government for creating leadership opportunities for PWDs.
Despite the numerous hurdles, the disability community remains committed to development, advocacy, and creating a stigma-free society.
With growing support from the government and community, LIDDWA hopes to achieve a future where every PWD can live with dignity and access quality services.