The Fight for Representation: A Deaf Woman’s Journey in Ugandan Politics
Disability inclusion is a fundamental aspect of democracy, enshrined in international human rights frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These documents emphasize the right of every individual to participate equally in public affairs, including the right to vote, be elected, and access public services.
Peace Ikiriza, a 40-year-old woman from Namabale Village in Kassanda District, has taken a bold step into the political arena. As a deaf and non-verbal individual, she contested for the position of district female councillor representing persons with disabilities (PWDs) during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries. Her campaign highlights both the opportunities and the challenges faced by PWDs in Uganda’s political process.
Navigating the Electoral College System
Ikiriza’s entry into politics was facilitated through the college system, an electoral mechanism designed to ensure representation for special interest groups. However, this system has been criticized for limiting broader voter participation and being vulnerable to manipulation. Speaking through a sign language interpreter, she described the process as “tough and exhausting.”
“I was competing with another woman who is a little person. I began saving money for the campaign two years ago. My husband, siblings, and friends also chipped in, helping me with the costs,” she explained.
Despite her non-verbal condition, Ikiriza ran a grassroots campaign, relying on interpreters and visual materials to convey her message. As the founder of the Deaf Girls and Women Rights Network and an advocate with the National Association of Parents with Deaf Children (NAPADEC), she has long been a voice for disability rights. Yet, even within the disability community, she faced resistance.
“Some people do not believe that a non-verbal person can represent them. But I managed to create awareness. There are a few deaf people in Kassanda, and most of them have never attended school. I met parents of deaf children and other PWDs who had never seen a deaf person competing with other people,” she shared.
Challenges Faced During the Campaign
Financial hurdles were a significant obstacle for Ikiriza. She had to pay for an interpreter, who lived in Kampala, and cover daily expenses for travel, meals, and data. Additionally, she faced issues with the electoral college, which she described as “all about money.” Some delegates would call her at night, but she could not answer due to the interpreter’s absence.
Ikiriza also spoke about experiencing sexual harassment during the campaign, a pervasive issue affecting women in politics. “Some men thought that because I am a PWD and a woman, I would be easy to manipulate. It was demeaning. Sexual harassment is real,” she said.
Another challenge was the presence of individuals without disabilities who exploited the system. “Some people who had four fingers on one hand came in to say they were disabled. They were made delegates in the electoral college. Some claimed to be PWDs simply because they had undergone surgery,” she noted.
Personal Struggles and Support
Ikiriza’s journey was not only a public challenge but also a personal one. Initially, her husband, who is also deaf, opposed her decision to contest. However, he eventually supported her after seeing her passion and commitment.
“He does not believe in politics. He really hates it. I had to stand my ground and tell him that I needed to serve my people. He agreed to support me but asked me to remember that I have a family to take care of as well. I thank him because he understood the situation,” she said.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Change
Although Ikiriza did not win the party flag, she remains undeterred. With a growing platform as a disability rights advocate, she plans to run again in 2030. “That was just the beginning. I will contest again in 2030. Even if I live in Kampala, what is important is that I have a social network,” she vowed.
She believes the college-based electoral system for PWDs needs reform, arguing that PWDs should have the right to vote directly. “The major issue is inclusion. Some PWDs are empowered while others are not. The PWD MPs focus more on their electoral collages, which brought them to power, instead of focusing on developing the PWDs in the villages,” she advised.
Empowering Deaf Women
In addition to her political advocacy, Ikiriza is focused on empowering deaf women, who often face oppression from their families and communities. During her campaign, she met girls who lacked access to menstrual products. This inspired her to start a project that creates reusable pads.
“I use my money to buy the materials. I hope that one day, a Good Samaritan will stand with me,” she said.
A Story of Resilience and Hope
Peace Ikiriza’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and inclusion. Her determination, resilience, and hope underscore the need for systemic change to ensure that voices like hers are not only heard but also supported and protected. As Uganda continues its democratic journey, the inclusion of PWDs must become a priority, not a privilege.
