The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, has pledged to consider a bill that will require organizations to ensure they employ people with disabilities (PWDs).

"It's a shame that government, which is the leading employer, has not taken the lead in providing employment for PWDs," Kadaga said

The speaker was presiding at a luncheon to commemorate the International Day for People with Disabilities at Serena hotel, on Monday. PWDs used the occasion to hand the speaker a petition containing their most pressing issues. Kadaga also urged the private sector to provide statistics on how many PWDs they employ and whether they enjoy tax exemptions from the Uganda Revenue Authority.

The minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, John Nasasira, acknowledged the contributions made by PWDs in the country and he promised to find solutions to their challenges.

"I have formed a committee that will come up with measures to address the needs of PWDs," Nasasira said.

He said the government had been supporting PWDs with a Shs 3bn annual grant and he pledged to help increase it to Shs 6bn.

At the event, Safia Nalule Jjuuko, representing PWDs in Parliament, introduced her book, Disability and 50 years of independence, which talks about the challenges faced by PWDs.

The PWDs also asked parliament to enact the building control bill that demands that all new buildings have access points for the disabled. They also want the road safety act amended to provide for prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation to reduce disabling conditions.