Nationwide Identification and Mapping of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on the National Voters Register Begins
This exercise, running from November 4 to November 13, 2024, seeks to ensure that PWDs are fairly represented and able to participate without hindrance in the upcoming 2025/2026 General Elections.
Uganda Today Edition: Nationwide Identification and Mapping of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on the National Voters Register Begins
November 4, 2024 – Kampala, Uganda
In a step towards greater inclusivity in Uganda’s electoral process, the Electoral Commission (EC) has launched a nationwide exercise to identify and map Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on the National Voters Register (NVR). This exercise, running from November 4 to November 13, 2024, seeks to ensure that PWDs are fairly represented and able to participate without hindrance in the upcoming 2025/2026 General Elections.
Aiming for Inclusive Elections
The EC is constitutionally mandated to conduct fair and inclusive elections. However, challenges have persisted in the accurate identification and support of PWD voters due to insufficient data on their numbers, locations, types of disabilities, literacy levels, and the use of sign languages. Addressing these gaps is crucial for the commission’s commitment to empowering PWDs as active participants in Uganda’s democracy.
Categories of PWDs Recognized
During this initiative, the EC will work with local councils to identify PWDs across several categories:
- Physical disabilities, such as those resulting from cerebral palsy, limb amputation, or paralysis
- Hearing impairments, including deafness and hard-of-hearing disabilities
- Visual disabilities, including blindness and low vision
- Combined deaf and blindness
- Mental and psychiatric disabilities
- Dwarfism (Little people)
- Albinism
- Multiple disabilities
Purpose and Objectives
The identification and mapping exercise aims to:
- Record PWDs, including details of their disability, literacy level, and voter registration status.
- Verify the inclusion of PWDs who may have recently registered with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).
- Provide a chance for community-led verification of the PWD voters list, ensuring the removal of ineligible entries, such as deceased individuals or those who have relocated.
- Promote the involvement of PWDs in the preparation of the NVR, raising awareness and boosting PWD participation in election-related activities.
- Identify barriers that may limit the full involvement of PWDs in Uganda’s electoral process.
Community-Based Identification Approach
The village-level identification will be conducted by EC Parish Supervisors in partnership with Local Council 1 (LC1) Chairpersons, who will convene village meetings for this purpose. These supervisors will verify PWDs on the voters register, add any eligible but unregistered PWDs, and address complaints regarding entries on the register.
Importantly, individuals identified as PWDs but not currently registered as voters will be directed to register with NIRA to ensure their inclusion on the NVR.
Expected Outcomes
Upon completion, the EC aims to achieve:
- A verified, up-to-date PWD register across every village and cell.
- Comprehensive data on disability types per village, aiding in planning inclusive election materials and accessibility arrangements.
- Strategic placement of polling stations for ease of access by persons with physical disabilities.
Call to Action for Stakeholders
Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, Chairperson of the EC, has called on all stakeholders to actively participate in this exercise, noting the critical importance of identifying PWDs at the grassroots level. This data will be essential for creating PWD registers and ensuring that all eligible Ugandans can exercise their right to vote.
This initiative reinforces the commitment to a fair, inclusive, and transparent electoral process for all Ugandans, including those with disabilities.
