NUDIPU decries electoral fraud by impostors

4 June 2025, 7:07 pm

By Annet Nakato

The National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU), in collaboration with the East Africa Centre for Disability Law and Policy (CDLP) and the Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA), has raised concern over a growing trend of individuals falsely claiming disabilities to take advantage of electoral provisions meant for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Speaking at a press conference held at NUDIPU headquarters in Kampala, Esther Kyozira, Chief Executive Officer of NUDIPU, condemned the masquerading by non-disabled persons as a form of electoral fraud that threatens the political inclusion of persons with disabilities.

“This press conference is critical because we have received numerous reports from across the country of individuals who are not disabled positioning themselves as such to benefit from electoral seats reserved for persons with disabilities,” Kyozira stated.

This undermines the rights of genuine PWDs and distorts the intent of our inclusive political system.

Kyozira emphasised that Uganda has made significant legal and policy strides in promoting the political participation of persons with disabilities, citing the 1995 Constitution, the amended Parliamentary Elections Act, and the Local Government Act of 1997 as key instruments ensuring representation of PWDs in governance structures.

These frameworks have allowed political parties like the NRM, FDC, and DP to embed PWDs in their leadership hierarchies.

However, as political parties gear up for the 2026 local government, parliamentary, and presidential elections, NUDIPU expressed concern that the integrity of this representation is at risk.

The NRM party, already actively organising at various levels including villages and districts, has seen a rise in candidates falsely presenting as disabled, according to NUDIPU’s findings.

This is not just a violation of the Persons with Disabilities Act, Chapter 115, but a betrayal of the progress we’ve made,” Kyozira warned. “It is essential that the government, political parties, and the electoral commission take immediate steps to verify disability status and uphold the credibility of PWD representation.

Kyozira concluded by urging the public to respect the rights of persons with disabilities and called on stakeholders to enforce Schedule 3 of the Act, which outlines the various recognised disability categories, to ensure only eligible individuals contest for PWD-designated seats.