Kampala, Uganda, March 1, 2025
Today, Uganda joins the rest of the world in commemorating International Wheelchair Day 2025, a significant occasion dedicated to raising awareness about the rights, mobility, and dignity of wheelchair users. The theme for this year’s celebration, “Breaking Barriers, Building Inclusive Communities,” highlights the urgent need for enhanced accessibility, policy enforcement, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Uganda.
As we mark this day, Ubuntu Disability Action for Development Uganda (UDAD-U) calls upon the government, private sector, civil society organizations, and the general public to intensify efforts in creating a disability-friendly environment where wheelchair users can fully participate in society without discrimination or restrictions.
Challenges Facing Wheelchair Users in Uganda
Despite progress in disability rights advocacy, wheelchair users in Uganda continue to face significant challenges, including:
- Limited accessibility to public buildings, schools, healthcare facilities, and transportation systems.
- Inadequate infrastructure such as non-existent ramps, narrow walkways, and inaccessible washrooms.
- Discrimination and social stigma hinder their ability to secure education, employment, and social participation.
- Limited access to quality and affordable wheelchairs, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Call to Action
On this International Wheelchair Day, UDAD-U urges:
- Government Commitment to Accessibility: Full implementation and enforcement of disability inclusion policies, particularly the Persons with Disabilities Act (2020) and the Building Control Act (2013), to ensure all public spaces and transportation systems are accessible to wheelchair users.
- Investment in Inclusive Infrastructure: Local authorities and urban planners must prioritize wheelchair-friendly public spaces, including accessible roads, schools, health centers, and workplaces.
- Increased Access to Affordable Mobility Aids: The government and development partners should subsidize and expand access to quality wheelchairs and assistive devices for persons with disabilities across Uganda.
- Sensitization and Public Awareness: The private sector, media, and civil society should amplify disability rights advocacy to combat stigma and promote the inclusion of wheelchair users in all spheres of life.
- Strengthening Economic Opportunities: Employers should adopt inclusive hiring practices and provide reasonable accommodations for wheelchair users in workplaces.
A Call for Unity and Inclusion
International Wheelchair Day serves as a powerful reminder that mobility is a fundamental right, not a privilege. By working together, Uganda can create a society where wheelchair users can move freely, access essential services, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
We call upon all stakeholders to commit to real, impactful changes that will break down barriers and promote equal opportunities for all persons with disabilities. Let us move towards a more inclusive Uganda where no one is left behind!
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information Email: info@udadu.org