Uganda: We're Not Dead, Minister Tells Ubos After Census Figures Halves PWDs Numbers

17 October 2024
Nile Post (Kampala)
By Billclinton Nuwahereza

The 2024 National Population and Housing Census results show that the disability rate dropped from 16.5% in 2017 to 5.7%, a conclusion the Minister called misleading and inaccurate.

The Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Hellen Grace Asamo, has strongly refuted a recent Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) report that claims a dramatic reduction in the number of disabled individuals in the country.

The report, part of the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, suggests that the disability rate dropped from 16.5% in 2017 to 5.7%, a conclusion the Minister called misleading and inaccurate.

In her address, Minister Grace emphasized that disability rates are, in fact, on the rise due to daily accidents and other factors.

"We are not dead," she stated, stressing that disabilities are increasing across the country and should not be understated.

"Every day, there's an accident, there's a disability," she added, calling for a more accurate reflection of the disabled community's reality in official reports.

The UBOS report has drawn significant criticism for its findings. Minister Asamo noted that the statistics fail to capture the growing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and highlighted the need for reliable data.

She further explained that UBOS has since apologized for the inaccuracies and has committed to working with stakeholders to ensure future reports provide a truthful representation.

"We are going to engage them to make sure the statistics are correct," she affirmed.

Minister Grace's response also touches on a broader societal issue concerning how disabilities are perceived.

She called for a shift in attitudes towards people with disabilities, urging for greater awareness and inclusivity.

"People see problems, they see challenges. We need to change this narrative," she said, advocating for a more understanding and supportive society.

Key Highlights

  • - UBOS claimed a drop in disabled individuals from 16.5% to 5.7%
  • - Minister Grace refuted the report, pointing out rising disability rates due to accidents
  • - UBOS has apologized and committed to ensuring accurate future reports
  • - The Minister called for societal change in perceptions of disabilities and inclusivity

Read the original article on Nile Post.

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