Disabled persons seek increased media coverage to amplify critical issues

3 October 2024, 12:02 am

Byamukama Alozious

The National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) has urged media outlets to increase coverage of disability issues, citing significant gaps in reporting, particularly in areas such as digital inclusion, sexual reproductive health, and climate change.

At a meeting with Capital FM in Kamwokya, Kampala, today, David Nangosi, representing NUDIPU, highlighted the pressing concerns faced by persons with disabilities. “Climate change affects us disproportionately,” Nangosi emphasized. “Floods, for instance, pose a significant threat to our lives. A deaf person may not know to evacuate during a flood, while a person with mobility issues may struggle to reach safety.”

Nangosi also stressed the importance of addressing digital exclusion. “Many persons with disabilities lack access to digital technologies, exacerbating social and economic exclusion,” he said.

In addition, Nangosi underscored the need for inclusive policies and support, particularly in addressing the intersectionality of climate change and sexual reproductive health. “Persons with disabilities often encounter discrimination and poor access to healthcare facilities, hindering their sexual and reproductive health rights,” he noted.

Gloria Nakayima, Editor at Capital FM, acknowledged the importance of comprehensive reporting on disability issues. “We’ve covered disability issues in the past, but we recognize the need for more in-depth reporting,” Nakayima said. “We’re committed to amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities.”

Busingye Caros, Sales Manager at Capital FM, recommended regular workshops or conferences to sensitize journalists and create awareness about disability issues. “By working together, we can ensure that disability issues receive the attention they deserve,” Caros said.

NUDIPU seeks to amplify disability issues and advocate for inclusive policies and support through collaboration with media outlets. “We need to engage with media houses to put government to task, to ensure disability-inclusive planning,” Nangosi stressed.

The meeting marks a crucial step towards enhancing disability reporting in Uganda’s media landscape, promoting greater understanding and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Orthopedic workshops, which produce assistive devices, are also struggling due to inadequate equipment, human resources, and minimal budget allocation. Every regional referral hospital is supposed to have an orthopedic workshop, but most are in a deplorable state.

The government had committed to equip orthopedic workshops in the country, as pledged at the Global Disability Summit in February 2022, but little progress has been made.