oday, the International Day for Differently-Abled Persons (PWDs) was marked with a vibrant event that celebrated their invaluable contributions to the ongoing struggle for freedom and democracy in Uganda. The gathering underscored the role of PWDs in the broader fight against misrule, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and solidarity in the quest for justice.
Speakers at the event highlighted how the current regime’s oppressive policies affect everyone indiscriminately, including the differently-abled. They called on all Ugandans to bring their unique strengths and abilities together to end the dictatorship of President Yoweri Museveni, whose decades-long rule has been marked by corruption, human rights abuses, and the suppression of dissent.
Testimonies from Former Political Prisoners
The event also provided a platform for recently released political prisoners to share their harrowing experiences of unjust detention. Among the speakers were:
- Comrade Olivia Lutaaya, who spent nearly four years in military detention under inhumane conditions, accused of participating in opposition activities.
- Comrade Magala Umar, detained at the beginning of 2023 for his alleged involvement in organizing anti-government protests.
- Comrade Sammy Okanya, who was arrested in July 2023 during the anti-corruption “March to Parliament” protests, a peaceful demonstration against government embezzlement and mismanagement.
Their testimonies painted a grim picture of Uganda’s judicial and penal systems, marked by long detentions without trial, torture, and other forms of systemic abuse. Despite these ordeals, the former detainees reiterated their commitment to the struggle for freedom, inspiring attendees to continue the fight against injustice.
PWDs: A Vital Force in the Struggle
The event organizers emphasized that PWDs remain an essential part of Uganda’s liberation efforts. They called for the recognition of their contributions and highlighted the disproportionate challenges they face under the Museveni regime, including limited access to services, discrimination, and neglect.
“Misrule affects us all, without discrimination,” said one speaker. “The participation of PWDs in this struggle is a powerful reminder that freedom is a shared responsibility, and every Ugandan has a role to play in reclaiming democracy.”
The day ended with renewed calls for the release of all political prisoners and an end to military detentions. Activists urged the international community to hold the Ugandan government accountable for its human rights violations.
With the spirit of determination ignited, the event served as a rallying point for Ugandans to combine their diverse abilities and stand united against oppression, proving that no barrier is too great when the cause is just.
#FreeAllPoliticalPrisonersUg
