Appraisal of affirmative action on the promotion of rights for persons with disabilities in Uganda : a case study of Kumi District (1995 to 2002)

Abstract

The research focuses on finding out how disability legislation, particularly affirmative action has made disabled people attain human rights, access to resources, community services and the basic needs. The study revealed that though affirmative action is a constitutional right and has resulted into pro-disability provisions as is indicated in the written laws of Uganda since 1995; it is not highly considered by civil servants. One of the major reasons for this is the ignorance of many of these civil servants as far as the law providing for the rights of the disabled people is concerned. As a result, its implementation particularly through affirmative action. has not benefited disabled people. Both political leaders and civil servants were ignorant of its implementation. The following still need attention: ignorance, lack of clear policies on disability at the local council level, critical role of affirmative action, further propagation of disability policies, education, the role of the disabled parliamentarians and councilors of disabled people. Therefore the study recommends further propagation of rights of disabled people, at international and national levels. At the time when this study was carried out, there was no Disability Act. However the National Council for Disability Act was enacted in 2003 and establishes the Disability Councils. What is now required is a Comprehensive Law in disability and effective functioning of the Disability Council both at National and Local Council levels.