In compliance with the UN convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, National Policy on People With Disabilities, the Uganda National Action on Physical Disabilities (UNAPD) together with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development developed accessibility standards to promote better access for all. This was done through a number of consultative meetings with different stakeholders including representatives from various sectors. The accessibility standards developed were broad and rich in content. However on closer scrutiny interventions that would appeal to the grass root level settings at community and household levels were not appropriately addressed. It is for this reason that the Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social development, the Ministry of Water and Environment, WaterAid, Uganda National Action on Physical Disability and representatives from other stakeholders developed a practical guide for inclusive water and sanitation services at household and community levels in Uganda. The new guideline builds on the initial work done and narrows the scope to water, sanitation and hygiene access. The process of developing these guidelines was consultative and participatory involving a cross section of duty bearers and rights holders. With such an inclusive guide, accessibility will be enhanced as the gap between the poor and the middle income populations will be bridged. |