Daniel Edyegu
29 January 2008
Kampala — PERSON with disabilities (PWDs) have asked the Government to furnish maternity wards in the country with adjustable beds for disabled expectant women.
"Pregnant disabled women can't access hospital beds because they are high. Nurses are often so rude to them yet it is their conjugal right to conceive," the Eastern MP for the disabled, Julius Balyejjusa, said recently.
He told celebrants at the International Day for the Disabled in Kisoko sub-county, Tororo district that the fear of undergoing such experiences had forced some disabled women to stop conception before they reached menopause.
Balyejjusa added that the disabled were also sidelined in the award of contracts by local governments.
"When you are implementing government programmes, the benefits must be felt by all. But if you leave out the disabled, who comprise 14% of the population, then we shall be disabled 100%.
"We are very hardworking people and that is why I have never heard any disabled person caught stealing. So give us a chance and we will perform to our best."
Emmanuel Otaala, the state minister for primary health care, promised to follow-up the issue of adjustable beds with his ministry.
Otaala explained that the ministry had begun a policy that requires all medical officers to learn sign language.
The celebrations were held under the theme: 'A good environment for PWDs is a better one for all'.
Tororo resident district commissioner Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, the district chairman Emmanuel Osuna and Paya LC5 councillor Alfred Oketcho, attended.
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