Abstract
:
The purpose of this study was to find out to what extent PWDs holding positions of leadership in various sectors, social, or economic were performing. A sample, comprising different categories of PWDs (persons with visual, hearing, motor impairment impairments and persons who are mentally challenged)(N=42) was purposively selected from four (4) districts of Uganda. A case study, involving in depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) was conducted between February and June 2010. The findings varied as follows: that the role of leadership increased their being recognized; that they shared and enjoyed working with non-disabled people; that their lives, had greatly improved, compared to the time they were before becoming leaders; and that most fears of stigmatisation against them had reduced. The findings from persons who are mentally challenged show that this category was still discriminated against, by being denied leadership roles. One of the conclusions here is that needs assessment for PWDs in Uganda has not been adequate, to find out what and how much these categories of people can do in terms of leadership. The following recommendations are hereby made. All categories of PWDs ought to undergo basic education and beyond, so as to be considered for leadership roles in Uganda. The association of, and for PWDs ought to work with relevant government authorities to ensure that jobs are given to all categories of PWDs without discrimination.