Leaders urged to promote inclusion through disability friendly infrastructure

4 June 2026, 10:08 pm

By Winnie Auma

The Principal Communications Officer of the Equal Opportunities Commission, Yusuf Muziramsa, has called on leaders across the Lango Sub-region to prioritize the construction of ramps in schools, public offices, and other institutions to promote inclusion and reduce discrimination against persons with disabilities.

Muziramsa made the remarks during an engagement meeting with journalists and leaders at Lira City Council. He noted that discrimination and exclusion continue to affect women, men, persons with disabilities, and older persons across various sectors.

He said the Equal Opportunity Coalition was established to combat discrimination and marginalization while advocating for affirmative action to ensure that all citizens have equal access to opportunities and services.

Muziramsa expressed concern that the lack of ramps and other disability-friendly facilities in many schools has forced some children with disabilities to drop out because they are unable to access essential services and learning environments.

The Lira Resident District Commissioner, Lillian Eyal, also decried discrimination in the education sector, particularly among foundation bodies managing schools.

Eyal observed that some Catholic-founded schools are reluctant to appoint Anglican headteachers, while some Anglican-founded schools similarly exclude Catholic administrators. She urged education stakeholders to promote professionalism and inclusivity regardless of religious affiliation.

The Deputy Mayor of Lira City, Rebecca Alwedo Ogole, said persons with disabilities are often overlooked in community development programmes despite their potential and contributions to society.

She noted that exclusion from government and community initiatives has left many persons with disabilities vulnerable to poverty and limited opportunities.

Meanwhile, the North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, Jimmy Patrick Okema, said the police work closely with various stakeholders to promote peace, security, and social cohesion without discrimination.Okema explained that political, religious, and cultural leaders play a critical role in sensitizing communities on crime prevention and fostering unity among residents.

The leaders urged journalists to champion peace and expose discrimination, calling on the media to help dismantle deep-rooted biases.