By eastafrican gazette
Ugandan journalists have received training on promoting disability inclusion within communities in alignment with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) during their reporting.
The Technical Project Manager of Uganda Humanity and Inclusion, Osca Waliku-Wakooli, emphasized the importance of ensuring that stories are written in a clear and understandable manner for individuals with intellectual disabilities, who may take longer to comprehend information.
Wakooli informed the journalists that their content effectively portrays the realities and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
He shared these insights at a training session hosted by Triumph Mental Health Support and Recovery Program, in collaboration with My Story Initiative and Uganda mental Health Fellowship, at Jinja Municipal Council Hall in Jinja City.
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The training focused on “Strategic training for journalists on reporting about psychosocial disability in enhancing family rights” with the aim of equipping journalists to improve their coverage of disability issues.
“We need to develop specific messages around the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) that was established in 1971,” he said.
He stressed the importance of the UN Convention in advocating for a change in attitudes and approaches towards individuals with disabilities.
Instead of being seen as objects of charity and medical treatment, Wakooli noted that individuals with disabilities should be regarded as rights-holders.
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He said this enables them to exercise their rights, make decisions autonomously, and actively engage in society, he pointed out.
Robinah Nakanwagi, the leader of Triumph Mental Health Support and former Chairperson of the African Disability Forum, emphasized the crucial role journalists play as allies in advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities.
He highlighted the importance of training journalists to effectively communicate issues related to disability inclusion and human rights.
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“We know that the media is a key stakeholder in disability rights if we are to achieve our goal because it is good at amplifying the need to be heard by the concerned authorities,” she added.
The UNCRD engages in initiatives related to integrated decision-making for addressing social, economic, and environmental issues comprehensively, enhancing institutional and technical capacities, promoting decentralized governance, ensuring human security, and more.