During a press briefing held at their market in Kampala, the group cited inadequate market spaces, inaccessible sanitation facilities, delays in the disbursement of Special Grant funds, and exclusion from key government programmes as some of the major issues affecting their livelihoods.
The appeal follows recent Cabinet reshuffles by President Yoweri Museveni, in which Achan was appointed to represent persons with disabilities.
According to the group, many persons with disabilities across the country continue to face discrimination and marginalisation despite repeated government commitments to support them.
“We have continuously been left out of government programmes and even the Special Grant meant for us has not been fully implemented,” one of the speakers said.
The group, led by Abubakari Kyeyune, said Uganda’s disabled community remains underserved, with many forced to operate from a single overcrowded and poorly maintained market that is also occupied by street vendors removed from road reserves.
“We do not have enough markets where disabled people can work and sustain themselves. The only available market is in a poor state and overcrowded,” Kyeyune said.
They also raised concerns over the lack of accessible buildings and toilets, arguing that many public structures remain unfriendly to persons with disabilities.
“We lack our own working spaces and accessible toilets, while most government programmes do not consider our needs,” another representative added.
The group further appealed to government to deploy sign language interpreters in public institutions such as the police, saying many deaf people face mistreatment because they are unable to understand instructions issued to them.
“We need interpreters in institutions like police because many deaf people end up in trouble simply because they cannot understand what they are being told,” they said.
The group also accused former leaders representing persons with disabilities of failing to ensure laws meant to protect and support them are effectively implemented.
Despite the concerns, the group expressed optimism that Achan’s appointment could usher in reforms aimed at improving the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities across the country.