Voices Drumming Support for Persons with Disabilities in the wake of COVID‑19 Pandemic
By Moses Olong
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It has been almost 2 years since the Coronavirus (COVID-19) began to have impact on the people of Uganda. The vulnerable populations, persons with disabilities (PWDs) in particular, have been hit hardest. After much anticipation and waiting on October 7, 2021, Uganda finally received their first batch of 196,800 doses of Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines bought by the government.
As the government aims to vaccinate 9 million people, many people are queueing up to receive their first dose. With such scarcity of vaccines, many PWDs are left to advocate for themselves. Luckily, there are numerous voices that are drumming support for these PWDs.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, came out to direct the Ministry to prioritize vulnerable population groups when administering the single‑dose shots. After identifying unfairness in the distribution of the vaccines, the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) has swiftly come out to lend a voice for the over fifty thousand PWDs it represents in the country. NUDIPU has requested that the government recognize all PWDs in the country among the priority groups of vulnerable persons that must be considered first in the ongoing COVID‑19 vaccination exercise. Additionally, District Representatives have added their voices on behalf of PWDs in Uganda. One such representative is Ms. Deborah Nakayenga, who represents the district of Wakiso. While speaking to some journalists on August 12, 2021, Ms. Deborah appreciates that PWDs need special care in their daily lives and that such care needs to be demonstrated in the ongoing vaccination exercises to minimize perpetual hardships and sufferings. Similar efforts are being made by the coordinator of the Kasese District Union of People with Disabilities (KADUPEDI), Mr. Peter Baluku, who in a concerted effort is actively advocating for PWDs to help them receive services with fairness.
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A Special Donation
A thank you is in order to CanUgan founder Navin Parekh, who made a special one-time donation in October to CanUgan, to support a 19 year-old girl in receiving treatment services for a serious mental health issue. Tragically, in rural and isolated areas persons with disabilities are so often forgotten and have very limited access to health services. We are reminded that mental illness also merits support from CanUgan.
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Kule Festus - A CanUgan Recipient
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Kule Festus is a resident of Kyondo Cell in Kasese Municipality. At the age of 13, after he suffered a spinal cord injury, Festus was registered with Kasese District Union of Persons with Disabilities (KADUPEDI) to receive a mobility device. CanUgan was able to provide him with a tricycle. With his mobility device, Festus is now able to provide for his family, working as a cobbler. Festus has recently received support from one of CanUgan’s members, Mr. Gordon Walker, to construct an accessible unit for Festus with construction currently underway.
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CanUgan's 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM)
CanUgan will host our AGM on Tuesday, February 1st, 2020 from 6:30-8 pm. This year's AGM will provide us the opportunity to share our Strategic Plan with the Board and solicit member feedback.
Details and agenda to follow.
Location to be determined (the AGM will either be held in person or via Zoom).
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