New Minister for Disability Affairs Hon Acan Joyce Okeny vows to raise PWD grant, end discrimination in govt programmes.
BY OKIDI PATRICK
Communities of persons with disabilities in Kampala have welcomed the appointment of Hon. MP Acan Joyce Okeny as Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of disabilities.
Her appointment comes after a decisive victory in the elections for Members of Parliament representing persons with disabilities, where she topped the polls with 602 votes. She beat Hellen Asamo, who garnered only 228 votes.
From Ballot to Cabinet:
Acan was among 10 candidates who contested for the four parliamentary seats reserved for persons with disabilities in the 12th Parliament.
Disability leaders across the country hailed her rise. “The people with disabilities have spoken, and we’re proud of our new representative in the ministerial position,” an official said after news of her successful vetting.
Vetting and Priorities:
Following her successful vetting, Acan pledged to tackle long-standing gaps affecting PWDs. She said the current PWD budget is “too thin” to support meaningful economic activities.
Hon Acan has called on government and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to raise the PWD grant from Shs16 billion to at least Shs60 billion.
She also vowed to fight discrimination in government programmes. “In some districts, leaders have blocked PWDs from accessing the Parish Development Model, even when our share is clearly provided for in the guidelines,” she said.
Proven Track Record
MP Hon Joyce Acan Okeny is no stranger to PWD leadership. PWDs in Kampala now expect her to push for amendments to the Persons with Disabilities Council Act. Other priorities on her agenda include reviving regional orthopaedic workshops to improve access to assistive devices and ensuring that new technologies meet the needs of PWDs.
About the Author
