Mubende District today hosted the International Day for Persons with Disabilities at Mubende National Teachers’ College (NTC), where thousands gathered to mark the occasion.
During the celebrations, leaders of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) highlighted challenges they face during elections, calling on the Electoral Commission to make voting more accessible.
Godfrey Mukisa, the District Councillor for PWDs in Mubende, said many are excluded from the electoral process due to mobility challenges.
“During elections, we face it rough because the Electoral Commission is reluctant. They do not consider us enough to participate in voting,” Mukisa said.
He explained that many PWDs cannot reach polling stations or stand in long queues.
“Someone using a stick cannot line up for hours, and that is why many do not come to vote. Others cannot even move to the polling stations,” he added.
Mukisa appealed for measures that would enable PWDs to exercise their right to vote, suggesting identification systems on polling day or designated voting areas.
“Let them identify PWDs on polling day and allow them to vote and go. Alternatively, let us start voting from designated areas because we also need to elect our leaders,” he said.
The celebrations were officiated by the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, who represented President Museveni, the expected Guest of Honour.
In a statement read on his behalf, President Museveni urged Ugandans to avoid overspeeding, citing it as a leading cause of disabilities in the country.
“Fellow Ugandans, especially the bazukulu, let us avoid too much excitement, because you end up causing accidents, which increases the number of PWDs,” the statement read.
He also called for an end to stigma and discrimination against persons with disabilities, stressing the importance of empathy and support in creating an inclusive environment.
As part of the celebrations, the government handed over Shs2.085 billion to support PWDs in the Central Region. In Greater Mubende, the government allocated Shs482 million
“On behalf of the President, today the 3rd of December 2025, I hereby hand over this cheque to the districts of the Central Region, for God and My Country,” Nabbanja said.