PWDs absence in NUDIPU cripples inclusivity of electoral process
This update exercise is vital to ensuring a fairer and more inclusive electoral process for all Ugandans.
Kabale: The chairman of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, has acknowledged that the absence of critical data on eligible PWDs (persons with disabilities) voters from the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) has undermined the inclusivity of Uganda’s electoral process.
In a message conveyed by Richard Baabo Kamugisha, the acting Secretary of the Electoral Commission, it was revealed that instructions for voters are not being provided in accessible formats, which affects people with visual impairments or blindness who need assistance in choosing their preferred candidates.
Byabakama noted that while the law allows for trusted aides to assist PWD voters, some have been denied their rights. He made these remarks during a regional stakeholders’ workshop held on Friday at Hotel Triangle in Mbarara for the South West Region.
The workshop was in preparation for the General Update of the National Voters Register, scheduled for January 20 to February 10, 2025.
Kamugisha emphasized that the Electoral Commission had intended to use braille or large-font documents to assist visually impaired voters, but the lack of accurate data on the number of eligible PWD voters has hindered the implementation of these special arrangements.
Additionally, Byabakama called on politicians to shift their focus away from commercialized politics and internal party rivalries, which have fueled violence and division, even in the wake of victories.
Robert Beine, the Regional Election Officer, urged the public to actively participate in the upcoming update exercise to help foster a more inclusive and credible electoral process. He also encouraged students to register before schools reopen.
Beine highlighted that transfers of voters will only be possible during this update exercise, which will also include voter registration, minor corrections, assignment of polling stations, and new revised registers for special interest groups.
This update exercise is vital to ensuring a fairer and more inclusive electoral process for all Ugandans.
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