DISABILITY ACTORS MEET CHIEF JUSTICE ON MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS
- 09 July 2016 -
- Written by Laspnet
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Disability stakeholders led by the National Union of Disabled Persons in Uganda (NUDIPU) convened at the High Court on Thursday 7th July 2016 for a meeting with Hon. Bart Katureebe, the Chief Justice of Uganda. They presented a memorandum on inclusion of persons with mental illness in access to justice. This followed a petition filed by Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD) and Yiga Daniel in partnership with NUDIPU suing the Attorney General
and challenging the use of derogatory language in Uganda’s criminal laws as well as the criminal procedures followed in case an accused person is found to be mentally ill. This petition had followed an earlier ruling in Bushoborozi Eric Vs Uganda where his Lordship Batema David declared that the autonomy of the Judiciary should not be usurped by the Executive in the administration of justice for persons with disability.
Medi Ssengooba, the Program Officer, Africa Region (Ghana and Uganda) for Disability Rights Fund (DRF) presented the memorandum on behalf of the coalition partners calling on the Judiciary to treat the issues with the priority they deserve. The coalition partners include: NUDIPU, Legal Aid Service Providers Network (LASPNET), and Legal Action for Persons with Disabilities (LAPD) Heart Sounds, Mental Health Uganda (MHU), and Uganda National Association for the Blind (UNAB) and Uganda National Association for the Deaf (UNAD).
Mr.Edson Ngirabakunzi, the NUDIPU Executive Director presented a plaque of appreciation to the Chief Justice for always according them time and ensuring that their voice is heard.
The Chief Justice was very pleased to receive the award presented to the judiciary noting that often the institution is blasted and associated with corruption. It was therefore good to recognize the small efforts that they do to administer justice adding that despite the few bad apples, the Judiciary have well meaning and committed men and officers ready to dispense justice.
In response to the memorandum, the Chief Justice pointed to the spirit of the constitution which was intended to ensure that no one is left behind. The challenge, he said, was with ensuring that the words in the many book of law become factionalized. He also observed that the times had changed when disability was looked at as a bad omen in the family. He was therefore pleased to see more professionals defying society norms and beliefs to join careers including law.
He reiterated his commitment and using his position in JLOS to ensure reforms, inclusion and mainstreaming rights and services for all disabled persons. He specifically committed the Judiciary to work with those responsible for different buildings where courts are located to ensure that PWDs have access and are therefore not inconvenienced.
He urged all relevant actors to create awareness and sensitize the public about disability matters to reduce the stigma that comes from ignorance. “We all have relatives and friends who are disabled and we can do better to empower them and help them overcome their limitations to be something. Let us not confine them to our homes”, he said. He also called on PWDs to learn to seek medical care.
On the use of derogatory terms, Hon.Katureebe said that referring to PWDs as stupid should be condemned as it limits planning for them in the national budget. “Access to justice is about how one’s impairment is attended to such that they receive justice, said the Chief Justice.
He advised NUDIPU to come up with draft rules which the rules committee would consider in consultation with stakeholders.
He concluded by appreciating the coalition partners for the great work they were doing and committed to support their cause. He said a helpline would be created by the Judiciary to enable PWDs access justice.
