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Deaf Politician's Courageous Bid for District Councillor Sparks Reflection on Inclusion in Uganda's Politics

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Peace Ikiriza, a 40-year-old woman from Namabale Village in Kassanda District, who is deaf and non-verbal, embarked on a courageous political journey, contesting for the position of district female councillor representing people with disabilities (PWDs) in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries. Despite facing financial, logistical, and societal challenges, Ikiriza's bid highlighted the complexities of inclusion in Uganda's politics. Through her experiences, she shed light on the electoral college system, which has been criticized for limiting voter participation and being susceptible to manipulation. Ikiriza's journey also underscored the need for direct voting by PWDs, acknowledging the electoral college's shortcomings in empowering the community.

Key Takeaways:

  • Peace Ikiriza, a deaf and non-verbal woman, contested for the position of district female councillor representing PWDs in the NRM party primaries, making history as a courageous politician.
  • Ikiriza's bid was marred by financial hurdles, logistical challenges, and societal obstacles, including experience of sexual harassment and opposition from within the disability community.
  • The electoral college system, used for electing special interest group representatives, has been criticized for limiting voter participation and being susceptible to manipulation, allowing individuals without disabilities to claim representation.
  • Ikiriza called for reform of the electoral college system, advocating for direct voting by PWDs to ensure true representation and empowerment.
  • The politician's story highlighted the importance of inclusion in politics, emphasizing that representation matters and should not be a privilege but a right.
  • Despite not winning the party flag, Ikiriza remains committed to her advocacy work, aiming to empower deaf women and push for change in the electoral system.
  • Ikiriza has set her sights on running again in 2030 and is researching ways to create a lasting impact, including lobbying from Kampala for her district's development.

Statistics:

  • 30 votes out of 75 from the electoral college
  • Shs150,000-Shs200,000 daily spent on interpreter expenses
  • Data purchases costing around ShsX per day for Whatsapp usage
  • Ikiriza's bid was marked by an emphasis on creating awareness and gathering support from the disability community
  • 75 delegates comprised the electoral college, each with a significant influence over Ikiriza's campaign
  • Social support for Ikiriza's campaign included multiple platforms, including visual aids and Reach a Voice Uganda (RAVU) working on sexual reproductive health

Sources:

  • Various in-article mentions of Reach a Voice Uganda (RAVU), the Deaf Girls and Women Rights Network, and the National Association of Parents with Deaf Children (NAPADEC)
  • In-article quotes and personal anecdotes shared by Peace Ikiriza
  • The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries and electoral college system

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