Written By | Joshua Nahamya
Mayor Robert Kakyebezi appreciates the support
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Mbarara City
In a move to improve mobility for marginalized groups, several persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Mbarara City received wheelchairs today at the Mayor’s Gardens, courtesy of Charity Kibaaju Kamuhanda, the NRM flag bearer for the City Woman MP seat. The donation comes amid a strict electoral season, where the Electoral Commission has discouraged candidates from making donations that could be perceived as voter bribery. However, the event was witnessed by high-ranking city officials, including Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi and City Town Clerk Justine Barekye.
A representative from Kibaaju’s team confirmed that while seven chairs were handed out today, the program is ongoing. “Those who haven't received their wheelchairs yet should be patient; they will be receiving them very soon,” the representative noted. “Hon. Kibaaju sent me to ensure that this support is not a one-off. She will remain with you throughout Mbarara City. Ensure you vote for her on Thursday so you can continue to enjoy the fruits of her leadership.”
Part of the PWDs grateful that Hon Charity Kibaju has so far supported in Mbarara City ahead of the Polling Day
Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi lauded the gesture but issued a stern warning to beneficiaries against selling the equipment for quick cash.
“Let Satan not tempt you to sell these. If you do, I will come and arrest you myself,” Mayor Kakyebezi stated emphatically. “We have seen a trend where people plead for support, only to sell what they are given by the next morning. I met someone recently crying for beddings, and shortly after I bought him a blanket, I saw him selling it. I plead with you—don’t sell these wheelchairs. They are your legs. If someone has pity on you, do not shame yourselves by selling a gift of such great value.”
The Mayor also used the occasion to credit the NRM government for the political inclusion of PWDs and women. “What a man can do, a woman can do even better, especially in politics. In our council and even in Parliament, representatives of PWDs are respected. The President empowered them to be the voice for the voiceless,” he added.
Addressing the upcoming January 15 elections, Kakyebezi urged the beneficiaries to use their new mobility to reach the polls. “Those who were alleging that they have no way to get to the polling stations: use these wheelchairs. Let them push you there to vote. I don’t want to find you in your house claiming you didn't vote—I will tie you from there! Go in your wheelchair and cast your vote.”
Some of the beneficiaries
Enos Tuhame, the City Councilor representing male PWDs, highlighted the health implications of the donation, noting that many PWDs are forced to crawl through the soil without such equipment.
“If you don’t have these wheelchairs, you often have to move through the dirt, which leads to disease. This helps people improve their health and live a dignified life,” Tuhame explained. “We are grateful, but we also appeal to other well-wishers to join this campaign. The number of people requiring support in Mbarara is still very huge.”
He appealed for more support from well-wishers to help the people with disabilities claiming that the number is still too big in the city. “If there is a person that has seen such support, let others stand up and support such people because we still have very many disabled people who still need this dying support in the city but we are so grateful for what we have received today” Tuhame noted
Eunice Asiimwe, the female Councilor for PWDs, echoed these sentiments, urging the electorates to support leaders with a “giving heart” who understand the struggles of those who cannot afford basic medical or mobility aids.
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