By Malik Fahad Jjingo
The chief of Buddu County in the Buganda Kingdom has urged the Government to address gaps in the delivery of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services, ensuring an approach that respects the rights of all individuals, including those with disabilities.
Jude Muleke, the county chief for Buddu County (Pokino), made this call during the launch of a campaign by the Association of Disabled Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (ADIPHA) Uganda. The campaign aims to enhance access to comprehensive SRHR services for people with disabilities living with HIV and TB survivors.
Muleke emphasized the importance of allowing everyone, regardless of disability status, to make decisions about their sexual and reproductive health without discrimination, coercion, or stigma. He urged the government to implement inclusive measures that enable all citizens to access healthcare services without segregation, such as investing in sign language interpreters and disability-friendly facilities in public health units.
He highlighted the ongoing discrimination against women and girls with disabilities and stressed the need to provide them with accurate information and support to make informed decisions about their SRHR.
Patricia Alena Namiwanda, a Sexual Reproductive Health Officer at ADFA Uganda, explained that the program aims to empower people with disabilities and TB survivors to combat stigma and access SRHR services.
Namiwanda emphasized the challenges faced by PWDS living with HIV/AIDS and TB in accessing SRHR care and called upon the public and civil society organizations to advocate for attitude change towards SRHR issues affecting people with disabilities.
“There is an urgent need to ensure access to healthcare services and information for all including people with disabilities, and change of attitudes beliefs, and behaviors within communities about SRHR of people with disabilities and advocating for policies that respect and protect SRHR for people with disabilities is the way to go to address the misconceptions in communities about people with disabilities making informed choices about sexual reproductive health” she said.
The program envisions a future where there is no discrimination in the provision of SRHR and other health services. It advocates for the rights of persons living with disabilities and aims to strengthen Peer Support Groups among people living with HIV/AIDS and TB survivors.
Richard Musisi, the executive director of ADIPHA Uganda, outlined strategic partnerships with 15 civil society organizations to promote inclusive accessibility of SRHR services in five districts in the Masaka region. The program will support PWDS who have faced sexual abuse, denial of SRHR services, and gender-based violence.
“20 people are going to be selected to undergo mentorship and coaching and these are going to be champions, this will develop their confidence and skills and will be champions of service delivery of disability-inclusive HIV/TB services and will help the person living with disability engage with decision makers and implementing partners understand the PWDs rights to access SRHR services,” he said.
Margret Nakabiri from Marie Stopes emphasized the importance of health workers providing services to persons with disabilities despite challenges such as the lack of proper beds in health units.
Costansio Nakityo Rachael Lwengo, Assistant District Health Officer (DHO), committed to establishing special clinics in district facilities to prioritize persons with disabilities’ access to medical services. She acknowledged the shortage of health workers proficient in sign language and called for support to recruit sign language interpreters.
This initiative reflects Buganda Kingdom’s commitment to advocating for inclusive SRHR services and addressing the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing healthcare.