By KT Reporter
Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the West Nile region are calling on government to urgently improve the state of roads and introduce specially designed pavements to prevent accidents and ease accessibility.
The call follows several incidents where PWDs have been exposed to danger due to pothole-filled roads and lack of designated pathways.
Daffala Mahmud Adam, a physically impaired resident of Oli D Cell in Arua City, recently survived an accident when a vehicle hit his wheelchair along Avenue Road before the driver fled.
Many roads in the region remain in poor condition, making it difficult for PWDs to access essential public facilities such as hospitals, schools, markets, and offices. Advocates say this has long been a barrier to service delivery and equal participation in society.
According to Mercy Monica Ocotoko, Project Assistant for the We Are Able Project at Terego District Union of Persons With Disabilities, there is also need for a mindset shift among the public towards inclusivity.
Similarly, Matata Abas, a candidate seeking to represent PWDs in Arua Central Division Council, emphasized the importance of improving road infrastructure.
The Ministry of Works and Transport has acknowledged the challenge. Senior Communications Officer Allan Ssempala Kyobe said government plans to redesign roads to accommodate everyone but admitted that progress is slowed by limited financing.
Part II of the Persons With Disabilities Act, 2020, provides for the rights of PWDs and prohibits discrimination, calling for equal access and respect of freedoms guaranteed under Uganda’s Constitution.
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