KAMPALA – The Democratic Party (DP) has urged government to prioritize the well being of children and people with disabilities (PWDs) in the battle against coronavirus.
The government is currently distributing food to vulnerable people in Kampala and Wakiso districts.
But DP says that there is no clear plan for children and PWDs.
“The Democratic Party has observed that little has been done to provide people with disabilities with support needed to protect them from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, even though many of them are of the high-risk group. “People With Disability feel that they have been left behind,” the party said in a statement on Tuesday, April 7.
“Containment measures such as Social distancing and social isolation, may be impossible for those who rely on support of others to eat, dress and bathe. This support is basic for their survival and the NRM government must take additional social protection measures to guarantee the continuity of support in a safe manner throughout the crisis. Attending to People with disabilities is vital to reduce the risk of such group and their families from from falling into greater vulnerability,” the party added.
DP says hundreds of millions of children around the country will likely face increasing threats to their safety and well-being – including mistreatment, gender based violence,exploitation,social exclusion e.t.c – because of actions taken to contain COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Democratic Party is urging the NRM government to ensure that safety and well-being of children amidst the intensifying socioeconomic fallout from the disease,” DP adds.
As the spread of Coronavirus accelerates, DP says many Ugandans are now exhibiting anxiety, stress and fear as numbers in Uganda continue to grow day by day.
As a result, Democratic Party says
NRM Government should now implement a family-centered approach and avoid the ‘cookie-cutter’ approach while attending to those vulnerable to the COVID-19 crisis.
“There are two population groups in Uganda now at higher risk: those in informal setting and those facing job loss and economic hardship which could result in mortgage and rent arrears and evictions.”
