The National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) together with other organizations representing persons with disabilities has strongly condemned the act of individuals masquerading as persons with disabilities to contest elective positions reserved specifically for persons with disabilities.
Last week, the Electoral Commission released a roadmap for special interest groups to submit nominees for these reserved positions, ranging from the village level up to the national level, in preparation for the 2026 general elections.
NUDIPU has expressed deep concern that some people without disabilities are presenting themselves for these slots.
Esther Kyozira, the Chief Executive Officer of NUDIPU, while addressing the media at their headquarters in Bukoto today noted that the organization has received petitions from vigilant communities in Kibale, Luwero, and Kayunga districts, reporting cases of individuals falsely claiming to have disabilities.
NUDIPU calls on the Electoral Commission to work closely with them to verify and identify genuine persons with disabilities eligible to contest these positions.
Kyozira also urges thorough screening of aspirants to prevent those masquerading as disabled from taking up these opportunities.
The Persons with Disabilities Act clearly defines the categories of disabilities eligible for representation, which include physical disabilities caused by cerebral palsy, limb amputation, paralysis, or deformities.
Others are hearing disabilities such as deafness and hard-of-hearing conditions; visual disabilities including blindness and low vision; deaf blindness; mental disabilities including psychiatric and learning disabilities; little people (dwarfism); albinism; and multiple disabilities.
NUDIPU urges all stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and protect the rights of genuine persons with disabilities.
By Ben Musanje
4th June 2025
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