The Rukiga District Woman MP, Hon. Kamusiime Caroline Muhwezi, has raised a red flag on the stigmatization of PWDS by parents and while accessing government services.
She revealed this today while donating 20 wheelchairs worth 10m to People with Disabilities from Rwamucucu Sub County, Rukiga District.
Speaking to our reporter after the donation exercise, Kamusiime showed concern about how PWDS are isolated everywhere. Kamusiime said that it’s unfortunate that some parents who have PWDs in their families don’t want them to play with other children in the community.
Kamusiime mentioned that before she started donating wheelchairs, most parents never wanted PWDS to socialize with the entire community, educational centers, health facilities, churches, among others.
The caretakers of the PWDS, including Kiiza Harriet, Safari Baker (son of James Kiiza, who suffered a stroke) from Rugarama Village, Kitojo Parish, Rwamucucu Sub County, Beyanga Edison from Burime Parish in Rwamucucu, and Natukunda Beyanga from Nozi Hamuruka, said that the situation would worsen during rainy seasons.
They added that carrying PWDS had been challenging, and some of them could be swept away by running water if it rained while families were still in the gardens.
They further commended Rukiga District for reducing the burden of carrying them, saying PWDS would now be able to attend churches, health centers, markets, and other public places.
Eddie Mugisha, the Rwamucucu Sub County LC3 Chairman, mentioned that some PWDS had been unable to move themselves from one place and were suffering from various weather conditions.
Kubiriba Fred, the chairperson of the PWDs in Rwamucucu Sub County, and Tumwakiire Mathiew, the Nozi Parish LC3 councilor who also serves as the Deputy Speaker of Rwamucucu Sub County, applauded the Woman MP for her donations and support in the community.
