Kampala — THE National Union of People with Disabilities of Uganda has called for urgent intervention by the Government to fight discrimination and stigma.

Executive director Michael Sebuliba said most societies consider people with disabilities as second-class citizens.

He was speaking ahead of celebrations to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities which will be marked today.

A statement on their website criticised the social development ministry for failing to include people with disabilies in its programmes.

But state minister for the elderly and disabled, Sulaiman Madada, cited the Universal Primary Education Act that requires parents to give first priority to children with disabilities.

"We also have the extra marks awarded to disabled students at secondary and higher education levels," he said.