Blog: IVLP Impact Awards Perspectives- Advancing Electoral Inclusion
Teopista Kizza is an alumna of the International Visitor Leadership Program and a 2023 recipient of the IVLP Impact Awards for her project "In Her Voice" Campaign.
Meridian International Center, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, implements the IVLP Impact Awards Initiative. IVLP Impact Awardees from across the world administer community impact projects that build on their experiences and promote innovative solutions to shared challenges. The IVLP Impact Awards initiative engages alumni, strengthens global networks, and supports lasting community impact.
Inspiration to Lead
In February 2023, I participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), “Not Too Young to Run,” which enhanced our leadership skills, knowledge, and experience to foster civic engagement in our communities and countries at large. During this exchange, I explored the U.S. federal system, leadership dynamics, advocacy strategies, public-private partnerships, policy formulation, and the inclusion of various demographics in the electoral process.
Inspired by the work of the Washington Community Action Network, which championed the rights of marginalized communities, and Fuse Washington’s pioneering use of online advocacy, I was driven to advocate for greater participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Uganda's elections. After observing the 2021 elections, I recognized the challenges PWDs face in accessing the electoral process, leading me to focus my efforts on advocating for an inclusive electoral environment.
One of the highlights of my IVLP experience was our interaction with the Office of Escambia County Supervisor of Elections and King County Election Commission in Florida, where I saw firsthand how election management bodies can work harmoniously with diverse voter groups. The inclusive infrastructure in the U.S., such as accessible roads, buildings, and parking spaces, inspired me to push for similar initiatives in Uganda.
Centering Marginalized Voices for Systematic Change
My IVLP Impact Award project, "In Her Voice," was an eight-month campaign that promoted the inclusion of female youth with disabilities in Uganda’s electoral processes. Through this project, I trained 12 female youth with various disabilities and launched the “In Her Voice” YouTube channel, where I produced and shared eight visual stories with over 9,400 views documenting participant experiences during the 2021 election to advocate for disability-inclusive mechanisms. Sharing their stories and advocating for themselves empowered the participants and ensured their voices were heard.
These stories were disseminated via social media channels like X and WhatsApp, tagging relevant actors such as the Uganda Electoral Commission. Using digital platforms to disseminate these stories allowed for widespread engagement and created a lasting resource that can be referenced in the future. Tagging key stakeholders in these videos ensured continued accountability and brought more attention to the issues of disability inclusion in Uganda’s electoral process.
In collaboration with my organization, African Youth Development Link, and Show Abilities Uganda, an umbrella organization for PWDs, we developed a position paper advocating for greater disability inclusion in the electoral process. This paper sparked discussions with the Uganda Electoral Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission. The collaborative efforts of our organization and other stakeholders yielded positive results. In November 2024, the Uganda Electoral Commission launched a mapping and identification exercise for PWDs, aimed at improving planning for their inclusion in the voter register and ensuring access to voter information.
Challenges and Opportunities for People with Disabilities (PWDs)
The challenges include:
- Limited civic and voter awareness due to the lack of disability-inclusive communication methods.
- Inaccessibility of polling stations, with some located in areas that are difficult for PWDs to access, and a lack of inclusive transportation options.
- Stigma and discrimination, often rooted in negative social norms and cultural practices.
- Insufficient documentation and appreciation of disability categories, which hinders effective planning for their participation.
Opportunities include:
- The ongoing discussions on constitutional reforms related to elections, providing a platform to address legal and structural barriers to inclusion.
- The potential to leverage technology to support and enhance disability inclusion.
- Collaboration with Disability Peoples' Organizations (DPOs) such as the National Union for PWDs and Show Abilities Uganda, which provide opportunities for advocacy partnerships.
- The availability of international support and best practices from countries like the U.S. that can inform local efforts.
Network Support
The IVLP experience connected me with global leaders, allowing for the exchange of ideas and perspectives on governance, democracy, and youth participation in elections. We collectively observed a global decline in democratic values and the need for young people to drive regional and global conversations. Our shared challenges in governance and elections have highlighted the need for a holistic approach to address them.
In my work, I have begun organizing regional conversations, such as one on "Fostering Meaningful Youth Participation in Elections in Africa," in collaboration with the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law. Nationally, I continue to advocate for good governance, youth, and PWDs’ participation through television and radio programs in Uganda.
I encourage alumni to relate their IVLP experiences to the issues in their communities and use the knowledge and insights gained to drive positive change. Participating in the Exchange Alumni platforms is crucial for gaining inspiration, learning, and sharing best practices. Additionally, connecting with other alumni members provides valuable support and collaboration for scaling up projects. It's important to outline how the project will be sustained beyond the timeframe and demonstrate how the impact can be amplified.
Teopista participated in the IVLP Project Not Too Young to Run – Engaging Youth in the Political Process, organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Mississippi Consortium for International Development, in partnership with World Trade Center Institute, World Affairs Council - Seattle, Gulf Coast Diplomacy and International House. Learn more about her IVLP Impact Award project, "In Her Voice" Campaign on our website.
