Electoral Commission Launches Nationwide Exercise to Identify and Map Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on National Voters Register, 4th- 13th November 2024

By John Kusolo

In an effort to promote inclusivity and ensure the fair participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the upcoming 2025/2026 General Elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda has commenced a nationwide identification and mapping exercise for PWDs. This initiative, mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and the Electoral Commission Act, runs from Monday, 4th November to Wednesday, 13th November 2024, and aims to improve accessibility and representation for PWDs in the electoral process. Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, the Chairperson of the EC, announced the exercise, calling on all stakeholders to participate actively to ensure its success.

*Background and Need for the Exercise*

The EC recognizes the importance of an inclusive electoral process where all eligible citizens can exercise their right to vote freely. However, challenges have persisted in accurately capturing the number and distribution of PWDs in Uganda, along with details regarding their specific needs, literacy levels, and communication preferences. These limitations have hindered the Commission's efforts to facilitate full electoral participation among PWDs. The lack of comprehensive data has also posed difficulties in planning for voter education materials and establishing suitable polling stations.

*Categories of Disabilities Targeted for Identification*

The identification and mapping exercise will categorize PWDs based on various types of disabilities, as recognized by the EC. This structured approach aims to better capture the diverse needs within Uganda’s PWD community. The categories include:

Physical Disability – due to conditions such as cerebral palsy, amputation, paralysis, or deformity.

Hearing Disability – including those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Visual Disability – including blindness and low vision.

Deaf-Blind Disability

Mental Disability – encompassing psychiatric and related disabilities.

Little People

Albinism

Multiple Disabilities

Objectives of the Exercise

The identification and mapping exercise serves several critical purposes:

*Accurate Data Collection:*

Collect essential data on the number, nature of disability, literacy level, and voting registration status of PWDs across Uganda.

*Voter Verification:*

Allow PWDs who have registered with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and wish to vote to confirm their inclusion in the National Voters Register (NVR).

*Verification and Cleaning of Voter Roll:*

Facilitate community-level scrutiny of the PWD Voter Register to identify and remove ineligible individuals, deceased individuals, and those who may have relocated.

*Public Awareness and Encouragement:*

Increase PWD awareness and participation in refining the PWD Voters Register at the village level, setting the stage for the general update of the National Voters Register.

*PWD Registers Compilation* :

Create a comprehensive and accurate list of PWDs in each village as a foundational step for updating the NVR.

*Identifying Participation Barriers:*

Collect insights on issues that may impede the full electoral participation of PWDs, enabling the EC to address them more effectively.

*Process for Identification, Verification, and Mapping*

The exercise will be carried out at the village level, with EC-appointed Parish Supervisors working closely with Local Council 1 (LC1) Chairpersons. Each village will hold meetings chaired by the LC1, during which the Parish/Ward Supervisor will guide the identification and verification process. This process includes a roll call of PWDs on the register, allowing for real-time verification and confirmation of each registered individual.

The Parish/Ward Supervisor will record any missing PWD voters and mark ineligible entries for removal. Complaints raised during these meetings, such as issues related to entries on the PWD Voters Register, will be documented and forwarded to the EC for resolution. For individuals identified as PWDs but not yet registered on the NVR, guidance will be provided to register as citizens with NIRA first, ensuring their eligibility for voter registration.

The EC anticipates that the exercise will yield the following results:

*Comprehensive Identification*:

A complete and verified register of PWD voters in each village, helping ensure all eligible PWDs can participate in the election process.

Accurate PWD Data for Planning: Disaggregated data on disability by category and village will aid in planning accessible voter education materials and creating a more inclusive voting experience.

*Convenient Polling Locations:*

The data gathered will guide the EC in situating polling stations at accessible sites, particularly for individuals with physical disabilities.

Justice Byabakama emphasized the importance of this initiative for compiling accurate registers for Special Interest Groups (SIGs) ahead of the general update of the NVR. He encouraged all community members, local leaders, and stakeholders to participate in the exercise to support PWDs’ electoral participation.

The EC’s commitment to this exercise reflects Uganda’s broader vision of an inclusive and equitable electoral process, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of disability, can fully exercise their democratic rights.

For further information, stakeholders and the general public are encouraged to refer to the guidelines issued by the EC regarding this exercise.

This identification and mapping exercise underscores Uganda’s dedication to inclusivity and equality, laying the groundwork for a more accessible electoral environment.