As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, persons with disabilities are urging presidential candidates to move beyond general promises and present concrete, realistic plans for inclusion.

Through their umbrella body, the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU), they have launched a “Disability Manifesto” outlining key priorities such as social protection, inclusive education and health, assistive technology, employment, access to justice, and political participation.

Easter Kyozira, the NUDIPU Executive Director, said persons with disabilities have yet to see candidates address their issues seriously. She called for commitments in eight critical areas that could transform lives if properly implemented.

The manifesto proposes a Child Disability Assistance Program to support families with additional care and education costs, and calls for universal access to affordable prosthetics, mobility aids, and rehabilitation services.

Martin Ssenoga, NUDIPU’s programmes manager, urged candidates to fast-track employment quotas for persons with disabilities as required under Section 9 of the Persons with Disabilities Act.

Representing nearly six million Ugandans, about 13 percent of the population, the disability community is leveraging its voting strength to demand accountability.

Alex Ndeezi, Chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Persons with Disabilities, warned politicians: “With six million people, we have some good votes. Candidates must tell us how they intend to address our issues or risk our ballots.”

NUDIPU insists that true inclusion must be at the center of every candidate’s agenda, not just a campaign slogan.