Radio Wa
  Stream radio
Menu
Radio Wa
  2. Disability Rights and Inclusion
  3. FAFAD urges inclusion of persons with disabilities

FAFAD urges inclusion of persons with disabilities

30 June 2025, 9:03 pm

The FAFAD team and stakeholders in a group photo at Pacific Grand Hotel, Lira City.

By Baker Okello

The Programmes Manager and Legal Officer at Facilitation for Peace and Development (FAFAD), Ms Grace Acot Akullo, has called on all stakeholders to unite in advocating for the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in service delivery and infrastructure planning.

Ms Akullo made the appeal during a regional stakeholder engagement meeting held on Monday, 30th June at Pacific Grand Hotel in Lira City. The meeting underscored significant gaps in accessibility for PWDs, particularly in health facilities, which often lack wheelchair-accessible walkways and suitable washrooms.

She further highlighted that learners with disabilities continue to face major challenges, such as the absence of designated classrooms and the long distances they must travel to access education. Akullo urged the government to prioritise the recruitment of sign language interpreters to improve the learning environment for children with special needs.

Akullu on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) , Eng.

In his opening remarks, the Lira District LC5 Chairperson, RCM Okello Orik, acknowledged that limited financial resources have hindered planned infrastructure improvements in roads, schools, and health centres. He cited Onywako Health Centre II as one of the facilities that missed out on funding for elevation.

He encouraged that the key findings from the engagement be presented to Members of Parliament for further legislative action.

Okello Orik on resources, Eng.

Meanwhile, the Lira District RDC, Lillian Eyal, expressed concern over the low turnout for the ongoing mass vaccination of children during her closing remarks. However, she commended the government for improving the medical supply chain, noting that Lira District now receives drug deliveries twice a month, thereby enhancing the availability of health services.

Lillian Eyal on vaccination performance, Eng.

The stakeholder engagement brought together participants from Lira, Amolatar, and Otuke districts, who collectively agreed on the need for inclusive policies and improved service delivery for Persons with Disabilities.