Union of persons with disabilities demand office space

The Union of Persons with Disabilities in Eastern Equatoria State is calling on the state government to provide them with an office in Torit town.

They said since the establishment of the union in 2016, they have been operating from the African Inland Church facility. 

Speaking during the commemoration of International Day of Persons with Disability.

The state’s chairperson for people with disabilities, William British, lamented that the union could not afford to rent an office despite the fact that there is plenty of land in Texas.

“We have been operating from the AIC church, but now that we are out, we are now renting,” he said.

William said the money they are using to cover rent is from well-wishers.

“We’re pleading with the government to give us our own place, to stop renting and to let us do our jobs properly,” he said.

He further added, “It’s very important if somebody has a home, but if there is no home, then it will be difficult.”

Unice Nakiru, a women’s activist in the state, urged the government to allocate an open space to vulnerable organizations, such as the union of people with disabilities.

“They can build their office, school and things that can help them.”

She emphasised the importance of placing people with disabilities first in all aspects of life.

But the Deputy Mayor for Administration at Torit municipality, Philemon Lopiata, said he would not make any promises regarding land.

“I can’t promise now to address the concerns you people have raised. I am going to talk to the deputy mayor for lands; he is the one who is supposed to answer the issue,” Lopiata said.