Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159) - Uganda (Ratification: 1990)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8 of the Convention. Implementation of a national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Government indicates in its report the adoption of the Community-based Rehabilitation Program (CBRP) for equalization of opportunities, rehabilitation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in their communities. The Government adds that it has developed guidelines and allocated resources to enable the implementation of the CBRP in 26 districts. In addition, special grants have been provided to support income-generating activities for people with disabilities. About 200 young persons with disabilities have been equipped with vocational skills on a yearly basis to enhance their employability, and inclusive schools for persons with disabilities with specially trained teachers to manage their learning needs have been established in the different regions. The Committee nevertheless notes, that in its concluding observations, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) expressed concern that there are few employment opportunities open for persons with disabilities, in particular for young men and women with disabilities, as well noting concern at the dismissal of persons who acquire an impairment in the course of their employment. The CRPD also noted the delay in the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014, and the lack of provisions to ensure persons with disabilities have equal pay for work of equal value (CRPD/C/UGA/CO/1, 12 May 2016, paragraphs 4 and 52).The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved through the implementation of the National Policy on Disability and the National Plan of Action on Disability. It also requests the Government to communicate information on the results of the implementation of the CBRP and on developments regarding the status of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014. In light of the observations made by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken to provide protection against dismissal for persons who acquire an impairment in the course of their employment, to take the necessary steps to ensure the effective participation of persons with disabilities in the labour market and to ensure that they receive equal pay for work of equal value. The Government is further requested to transmit specific practical information on the application of the Convention, such as statistical data disaggregated by age and gender, extracts from reports and studies on matters covered by the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Articles 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8 of the Convention. Implementation of a national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Government indicates in its report the adoption of the Community-based Rehabilitation Program (CBRP) for equalization of opportunities, rehabilitation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in their communities. The Government adds that it has developed guidelines and allocated resources to enable the implementation of the CBRP in 26 districts. In addition, special grants have been provided to support income-generating activities for people with disabilities. About 200 young persons with disabilities have been equipped with vocational skills on a yearly basis to enhance their employability, and inclusive schools for persons with disabilities with specially trained teachers to manage their learning needs have been established in the different regions. The Committee nevertheless notes, that in its concluding observations, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) expressed concern that there are few employment opportunities open for persons with disabilities, in particular for young men and women with disabilities, as well noting concern at the dismissal of persons who acquire an impairment in the course of their employment. The CRPD also noted the delay in the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014, and the lack of provisions to ensure persons with disabilities have equal pay for work of equal value (CRPD/C/UGA/CO/1, 12 May 2016, paragraphs 4 and 52). The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved through the implementation of the National Policy on Disability and the National Plan of Action on Disability. It also requests the Government to communicate information on the results of the implementation of the CBRP and on developments regarding the status of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2014. In light of the observations made by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken to provide protection against dismissal for persons who acquire an impairment in the course of their employment, to take the necessary steps to ensure the effective participation of persons with disabilities in the labour market and to ensure that they receive equal pay for work of equal value. The Government is further requested to transmit specific practical information on the application of the Convention, such as statistical data disaggregated by age and gender, extracts from reports and studies on matters covered by the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to its previous comments. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 3, 7 and 8 of the Convention. Implementation of a national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Government indicates in its report received in June 2013 that the National Disability Council monitors government programmes on disability to ensure that they reach the beneficiaries. The Council also analyses the extent of disability in the country and proposes appropriate interventions. The Government adds that guidelines have been drafted to operationalize the National Policy on Disability. Moreover, a national plan of action on disability was being drafted at the time of reporting. The Committee notes the measures undertaken regarding vocational rehabilitation and employment for persons with disabilities listed in the report, such as a special grant used towards income generating activities of persons with disabilities in every district of Uganda. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved through the implementation of the National Policy on Disability and the national plan of action on disability. It also requests the Government to include detailed information on the activities of the National Disability Council and other steps taken to ensure that vocational rehabilitation measures are made available to all persons with disabilities and that different services are established to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in employment, particularly in rural areas and remote communities. Please provide in this regard information on the application of the Convention in practice, including statistical information disaggregated, as much as possible, by age, sex and nature of the disability, as well as extracts from reports, studies or inquiries on the matters covered by the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Articles 3, 7 and 8 of the Convention. Implementation of a national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Government indicates in its report received in June 2013 that the National Disability Council monitors government programmes on disability to ensure that they reach the beneficiaries. The Council also analyses the extent of disability in the country and proposes appropriate interventions. The Government adds that guidelines have been drafted to operationalize the National Policy on Disability. Moreover, a national plan of action on disability was being drafted at the time of reporting. The Committee notes the measures undertaken regarding vocational rehabilitation and employment for persons with disabilities listed in the report, such as a special grant used towards income generating activities of persons with disabilities in every district of Uganda. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the results achieved through the implementation of the National Policy on Disability and the national plan of action on disability. It also requests the Government to include detailed information on the activities of the National Disability Council and other steps taken to ensure that vocational rehabilitation measures are made available to all persons with disabilities and that different services are established to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in employment, particularly in rural areas and remote communities. Please provide in this regard information on the application of the Convention in practice, including statistical information disaggregated, as much as possible, by age, sex and nature of the disability, as well as extracts from reports, studies or inquiries on the matters covered by the Convention (Part V of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Implementation of a national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment for persons with disabilities. The Committee notes the succinct replies provided in the Government’s report received in June 2011 to the points raised in its previous comments. The Government indicates that the rehabilitation scheme has provided employable skills training to persons with disabilities. Some resettlement kits are also offered to persons with disabilities. In its 2006 observation, the Committee noted the adoption of the Act of 2003 on the National Disability Council, which included regulations on its composition, duties and administration with a view to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. The Committee again asks the Government to provide in its next report detailed information on the activities of the National Disability Council and other relevant data on steps taken to ensure that vocational rehabilitation measures are made available to all persons with disabilities and that different services are established to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in employment, particularly in rural areas and remote communities (Articles 3, 7 and 8 of the Convention).

The Committee notes the adoption of a National Employment Policy (NEP) for Uganda in May 2011 which stresses that persons with disabilities, estimated at 1.5 million in 2007, still face stigmatisation and discrimination in their search for and even during their tenure of employment. The NEP indicates that even among those who are self-employed, their products and services do not easily find markets due to negative societal attitudes and other impediments. The Committee further notes that employment of vulnerable groups is one of the NEP objectives and that the implementation of the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities adopted in 2007 remains a priority. In its previous comments, the Committee also noted that the Employment Act, 2006, included specific requirements relating to the employment of persons with disabilities on a non-discriminatory basis and the publication of an annual report, including, in particular, statistics on employed persons with disabilities, as well as on support provided by employers. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the progress achieved in implementing the Employment Act, 2006, regarding persons with disabilities and to indicate how its implementation ensures accessibility for persons with disabilities to employment services, employment opportunities and to information on employment (Articles 3 and 6). The Committee also invites the Government to provide information on the progress achieved through the implementation of the National Employment Policy concerning vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities and to provide relevant information on the application of the Convention in practice, including statistical information disaggregated, as much as possible, by age, sex and nature of the disability, as well as extracts from reports and studies or inquiries on the matters covered by the Convention (Part V of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2006 observation, which read as follows:

1. Implementation of a national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment for persons with disabilities. The Committee notes with interest the information provided in the Government’s report received in June 2006 and, in particular, the passing of the Act of 2003 on the National Disability Council, containing regulations on its composition, duties and administration with a view to the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that the National Disability Council was set up in August 2004. According to a 2002 census, 844,841 persons out of a total population of 24,442,084 are persons with disabilities. The Committee notes with interest the ILO study of March 2004 on the employment of persons with disabilities in Uganda. The study formed an integral part of the joint programme implemented by Ireland and the ILO entitled “Employment of people with disabilities: The impact of legislation (East Africa)”, set up to help a certain number of African and Asian countries to improve their capacity to implement effective legislation in respect of the employment of disabled persons. In Uganda, this technical assistance project resulted in the adoption, by the Ministry of Labour, Social Development and Gender Equality, of the
2002–07 Strategic National Community Readjustment Plan. The aim of this Plan is to ensure the full integration of disabled persons into the community and guarantee them equal opportunities. The Committee recalls that, at the 95th Session of the Conference in June 2006, the Committee on the Application of Standards also welcomed the approach adopted by the joint programme implemented by Ireland and the ILO, since it sets out to promote the Convention, at the national and international levels, as an instrument prescribing an employment policy that provides adequate measures to integrate persons with disabilities into the open labour market. The Committee hopes that, in its next report, the Government will continue to provide information on steps taken by the National Disability Council to ensure that vocational rehabilitation measures are made available to all persons with disabilities and that different services are established to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in employment, particularly in rural areas and remote communities (Articles 3, 7 and 8 of the Convention).

2. The Committee also notes with interest the enactment of the specific provisions relating to the employment of persons with disabilities on a non-discriminatory basis in the Employment Act, 2006, and the provisions for the publication of an annual report, including, in particular, statistics on employed persons with disabilities and aid provided by the employer. It further notes the wide definition of the word “disability” in section 2 of the Act, and it requests the Government to report on its implementation in practice in order to ensure that the benefits of the special provisions relating to the disabled are reaped by those persons whose disabilities, whether physical or mental, are such that their “prospects of securing, retaining or advancing in suitable employment are substantially reduced” (Article 1 of the Convention). The Committee also invites the Government to ensure accessibility for the disabled to employment services, places of employment and to information on employment (Articles 3 and 6) and to continue providing information on the application of this Convention in practice (Part V of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its 2006 observation which read as follows:

1. Implementation of a national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment for persons with disabilities. The Committee notes with interest the information provided in the Government’s report received in June 2006 and, in particular, the passing of the Act of 2003 on the National Disability Council, containing regulations on its composition, duties and administration with a view to the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that the National Disability Council was set up in August 2004. According to a 2002 census, 844,841 persons out of a total population of 24,442,084 are persons with disabilities. The Committee notes with interest the ILO study of March 2004 on the employment of persons with disabilities in Uganda. The study formed an integral part of the joint programme implemented by Ireland and the ILO entitled “Employment of people with disabilities: The impact of legislation (East Africa)”, set up to help a certain number of African and Asian countries to improve their capacity to implement effective legislation in respect of the employment of disabled persons. In Uganda, this technical assistance project resulted in the adoption, by the Ministry of Labour, Social Development and Gender Equality, of the 2002–07 Strategic National Community Readjustment Plan. The aim of this Plan is to ensure the full integration of disabled persons into the community and guarantee them equal opportunities. The Committee recalls that, at the 95th Session of the Conference in June 2006, the Committee on the Application of Standards also welcomed the approach adopted by the joint programme implemented by Ireland and the ILO, since it sets out to promote the Convention, at the national and international levels, as an instrument prescribing an employment policy that provides adequate measures to integrate persons with disabilities into the open labour market. The Committee hopes that, in its next report, the Government will continue to provide information on steps taken by the National Disability Council to ensure that vocational rehabilitation measures are made available to all persons with disabilities and that different services are established to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in employment, particularly in rural areas and remote communities (Articles 3, 7 and 8 of the Convention).

2. The Committee also notes with interest the enactment of the specific provisions relating to the employment of persons with disabilities on a non-discriminatory basis in the Employment Act, 2006, and the provisions for the publication of an annual report, including, in particular, statistics on employed persons with disabilities and aid provided by the employer. It further notes the wide definition of the word “disability” in section 2 of the Act, and it requests the Government to report on its implementation in practice in order to ensure that the benefits of the special provisions relating to the disabled are reaped by those persons whose disabilities, whether physical or mental, are such that their “prospects of securing, retaining or advancing in suitable employment are substantially reduced” (Article 1 of the Convention). The Committee also invites the Government to ensure accessibility for the disabled to employment services, places of employment and to information on employment (Articles 3 and 6) and to continue providing information on the application of this Convention in practice (Part V of the report form).

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

1. Implementation of a national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment for persons with disabilities. The Committee notes with interest the information provided in the Government’s report received in June 2006 and, in particular, the passing of the Act of 2003 on the National Disability Council, containing regulations on its composition, duties and administration with a view to the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that the National Disability Council was set up in August 2004. According to a 2002 census, 844,841 persons out of a total population of 24,442,084 are persons with disabilities. The Committee notes with interest the ILO study of March 2004 on the employment of persons with disabilities in Uganda. The study formed an integral part of the joint programme implemented by Ireland and the ILO entitled “Employment of people with disabilities: The impact of legislation (East Africa)”, set up to help a certain number of African and Asian countries to improve their capacity to implement effective legislation in respect of the employment of disabled persons. In Uganda, this technical assistance project resulted in the adoption, by the Ministry of Labour, Social Development and Gender Equality, of the 2002-07 Strategic National Community Readjustment Plan. The aim of this Plan is to ensure the full integration of disabled persons into the community and guarantee them equal opportunities. The Committee recalls that, at the 95th Session of the Conference in June 2006, the Committee on the Application of Standards also welcomed the approach adopted by the joint programme implemented by Ireland and the ILO, since it sets out to promote the Convention, at the national and international levels, as an instrument prescribing an employment policy that provides adequate measures to integrate persons with disabilities into the open labour market. The Committee hopes that, in its next report, the Government will continue to provide information on steps taken by the National Disability Council to ensure that vocational rehabilitation measures are made available to all persons with disabilities and that different services are established to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain and advance in employment, particularly in rural areas and remote communities (Articles 3, 7 and 8 of the Convention).

2. The Committee also notes with interest the enactment of the specific provisions relating to the employment of persons with disabilities on a non-discriminatory basis in the Employment Act, 2006, and the provisions for the publication of an annual report, including, in particular, statistics on employed persons with disabilities and aid provided by the employer. It further notes the wide definition of the word “disability” in section 2 of the Act, and it requests the Government to report on its implementation in practice in order to ensure that the benefits of the special provisions relating to the disabled are reaped by those persons whose disabilities, whether physical or mental, are such that their “prospects of securing, retaining or advancing in suitable employment are substantially reduced” (Article 1 of the Convention). The Committee also invites the Government to ensure accessibility for the disabled to employment services, places of employment and to information on employment (Articles 3 and 6) and to continue providing information on the application of this Convention in practice (Part V of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2000 direct request, which read as follows:

Article 2 of the Convention. The Government states that the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development is to establish a National Council on Disability to coordinate and monitor implementation of the policy on disability. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on progress made in this respect.

Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 4, and Article 3. The Government states that people with mental impairments are included in the definition of persons with disabilities. They have access to the services provided by the Employment Exchange Service, but are not provided services by the Vocational Rehabilitation centres due to lack of appropriate facilities. The Committee would appreciate being kept informed in future reports of progress made in expanding the capacities of the rehabilitation service to include persons with disabilities.

Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that an evaluation of three rehabilitation centres was carried out in 1991. The Committee would appreciate receiving extracts of these findings, as well as other statistical information on the application of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2000 direct request, which read as follows:

Article 2 of the Convention. The Government states that the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development is to establish a National Council on Disability to coordinate and monitor implementation of the policy on disability. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on progress made in this respect.

Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 4, and Article 3. The Government states that people with mental impairments are included in the definition of persons with disabilities. They have access to the services provided by the Employment Exchange Service, but are not provided services by the Vocational Rehabilitation centres due to lack of appropriate facilities. The Committee would appreciate being kept informed in future reports of progress made in expanding the capacities of the rehabilitation service to include persons with disabilities.

Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that an evaluation of three rehabilitation centres was carried out in 1991. The Committee would appreciate receiving extracts of these findings, as well as other statistical information on the application of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s detailed report, in particular the information supplied in response to previous comments.

Article 2 of the Convention.  The Government states that the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development is to establish a National Council on Disability to coordinate and monitor implementation of the policy on disability. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on progress made in this respect.

Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 4, and Article 3.  The Government states that people with mental impairments are included in the definition of persons with disabilities. They have access to the services provided by the Employment Exchange Service, but are not provided services by the Vocational Rehabilitation centres due to lack of appropriate facilities. The Committee would appreciate being kept informed in future reports of progress made in expanding the capacities of the rehabilitation service to include persons with disabilities.

Part V of the report form.  The Committee notes the Government’s statement that an evaluation of three rehabilitation centres was carried out in 1991. The Committee would appreciate receiving extracts of these findings, as well as other statistical information on the application of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

The Committee notes with interest the information supplied by the Government in its first and second reports on the application of the Convention. The Committee notes in particular the Government's intention expressed in the report to develop a new policy in this field which may form part of the comprehensive employment policy being pursued. The Government indicates that a programme for community-based rehabilitation of disabled persons has been included into the National Plan and Budget, and that the revised labour legislation contains a provision (section 39) which empowers the Minister to make regulations governing the employment of disabled workers. It hopes that the Government will be able to describe, in its next report, the national policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of disabled persons and indicate the manner in which the national policy is implemented and periodically reviewed, as required in Article 2 of the Convention. It would be grateful if the Government would supply a copy of the revised national provision referred to above. The Committee also asks the Government to provide additional information on the following points:

Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 4, and Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the definition of "disabled person" given in the report does not contain express reference to mental impairment and that, according to the report, vocational rehabilitation measures cover most categories of disabled persons but exclude mental retardation. It would like to draw the Government's attention to the fact that, according to Article 1, paragraph 4, "the provisions of this Convention shall apply to all categories of disabled persons", and that, according to Article 3, the national policy "shall aim at ensuring that appropriate vocational rehabilitation measures are made available to all categories of disabled persons". The Committee therefore asks the Government to adopt measures with a view to ensure that vocational rehabilitation measures are available to all categories of disabled persons, including those with mental impairment, and to report any progress achieved in this regard. Please also describe the manner in which employment opportunities for disabled persons are promoted in the open labour market, as requested under Article 3.

Article 4. Please state whether equality of opportunity and treatment for disabled men and women workers is respected. Please also indicate any special positive measures aimed at effective equality of opportunity and treatment between disabled workers and other workers.

Article 5. The Committee notes from the Government's report that matters concerning disabled workers have been settled in consultation with employers' and workers' representatives and the National Umbrella Union for Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU). Please describe in more detail the manner in which representative employers' and workers' organizations, as well as the NUDIPU, have been consulted on the matters referred to in this Article.

Article 7. The Government indicates in the report that within the Community Development Department of the Ministry of Local Government disabled persons are provided with vocational rehabilitation, resettlement and community-based rehabilitation services, and that the Employment Exchange of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs facilitates the placement and employment of disabled persons in the formal and informal sectors. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe in more detail, in its next report, measures taken both at the national and community level with a view to providing and evaluating vocational guidance, vocational training, placement, employment and other related services for disabled persons. Please also indicate whether existing services for workers generally are used with necessary adaptations.

Article 8. Please describe measures taken or envisaged to promote the establishment and development of vocational rehabilitation and employment services for disabled persons in rural areas and remote communities, in accordance with this Article.

Point V of the report form. The Committee notes the Government's statement in the report to the effect that it is not possible at this stage to provide statistical data and special studies carried out concerning the application of the Convention. It hopes that the Government will supply such data, as well as extracts from reports, studies and inquiries, concerning the matters covered by the Convention, as requested by the report form, in its next report.