Several Government technicians and politicians in Uganda have pledged to the disabled community in Uganda that their long wish will be granted. The minister for Elderly and disabled Sulaiman Madada says that the disabled should bare it in mind that the promise by the government to them will all be fulfilled by the National Resistance Movement government.

The minister revealed that annexing the Standards to the Building Control Act was inserted into the Building Control Bill that has already been approved by the Cabinet of Uganda.

The disabled MP for Buganda region Alex Ndeezi says that the disabled community in Uganda is so far grateful to the government for its role in the development of the Standards, and the new task of making sure that the Standards are made part of the law. The MP says that PWDS strongly believe that the government will not retreat or surrender before this dream is realised. Ndeezi says that MPs in Uganda Parliament have also committed themselves to support the Bill when it comes to the House.

The MP says that making the Standards part of the law ought to be a big struggle as it is not a privilege of PWDs but rather intended to benefit all people in Uganda, as accessibility is a right to all. When the Standards are legalized, it will be to the advantage of Government, PWDs, MPs, and every other citizen, because everybody including PWDs will be able to access the physical environment without barriers, hence increasing their participation in social, political and economic opportunities necessary for development. What a nice gift it would be for all in 2012 when the Building Control Act in enacted and taking care of the accessibility needs and concerns of all Ugandans.

The post Uganda government gives Persons with disabilities gifts first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

The Standards are a guide to architects, civil engineers, constructors and property developers on how to construct buildings and facilities suitable for every one’s use including persons with disabilities.

“I really congratulate and respect you for producing these guidelines. I have no objection to making the Standards part of the law. I am happy that you have come early to discuss this with me. I will make sure that we do what you want. Also keep in touch with Parliament to support the Bill when it comes to the House for debate,” the minister said. This was in a meeting between UNAPD, Works Ministry and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. Sulaiman Madada the minister in charge of elderly and disability in the Gender Ministry arranged and attended this meeting together with officials from his ministry. The Gender Ministry was so instrumental in the development of the Standards that were launched in 2008. Byandala said that he personally acknowledges the challenges PWDs go through in regard to accessibility and emphasized that accessibility is for all.

“I have also started to experience accessibility challenges because of age,” he says. “I will also alert my colleagues’ inn the Uganda governmnet to take care of accessibility needs when they are constructing buildings.”

He said the Building Control Bill is before Cabinet for scrutiny, and the development of the regulations to operationalise it when it becomes an Act will begin soon. The meeting was also attended by the Commissioner for Building, Arch. Harry Kazahure. “Architect Kazahure will lead the process of making the regulations. Please, keep in touch with him,” the minister advised

his visitors led by the treasurer, Ark Goffin Candria. Kazahure said the regulations will be developed by the Ministry of Justice and will provide for the Standards as an annex to the Building Control Act. Madada thanked the Ministry of Works for the promise to legalise the Standards, and said it will be in line with the Government’s commitment to empower people to live a better and fulfilling life. Candria explained to the minister the intensive consultative process of developing the Standards, and expressed optimism that the lives of PWDs will greatly improve if the Standards are legalised and enforced in Uganda.

The post Ministry of Works to table Building Control Bill first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.