EDITOR
People living with disabilities (PWDs) in Kabale District have expressed dissatisfaction over being excluded from the ongoing mobilization activities ahead of President Museveni’s visit to the area.
According to Elinathan Kanyaruju, the LCIV male councilor representing PWDs at the Kabale Municipal Council, members of the disability community were not involved in any planning or preparatory meetings. He said PWDs expected to be part of the mobilization team, but no information was shared with them regarding their role, which they interpret as a deliberate act of abandonment.
Other PWD representatives shared similar concerns. Tanasio Byamukama noted that PWDs were sidelined throughout the mobilization process and alleged that some leaders intentionally exclude them to prevent them from raising their challenges directly to the President. He further claimed that government funds intended for PWD welfare are often mishandled by leaders who surround the President.
Mary Tindibasa, the publicity secretary for PWDs under the district’s NRM structure, also said that the disability fraternity has repeatedly been left out of government programs, citing the mobilization for the presidential visit as the latest example.
However, Kabale District NRM acting chairperson, Bridget Asinga, dismissed the claims. She explained that the preparations are being coordinated by the NRM parliamentary flag bearers from the district’s three constituencies, who are responsible for mobilizing people within their respective areas. Asinga said no special arrangements have been finalized yet and encouraged PWDs to reach out to their constituency flag bearers for guidance and coordination.
