Where Is the Inclusion? Jarga Mbowe Challenges Barrow Government Over Disability Support
Where Is the Inclusion? UDP Youth Leader Challenges Barrow Government on Disability Support and Unfulfilled Promises
UDP National Youth Wing Deputy Vice President Jarga Mbowe has challenged President Adama Barrow’s government to explain how persons with disabilities are being supported, while questioning what he described as limited representation of people with disabilities in national decision-making.
Mbowe called on President Barrow to identify the persons with disabilities he said the government supports on a monthly basis and to provide clarity on the programmes and resources allocated to disability inclusion.
He also raised concerns about political representation, noting that, according to him, there is currently no representative for persons with disabilities in the National Assembly and limited meaningful participation in decision-making processes.
Mbowe further criticised the government’s recent “People’s Tour,” arguing that the concerns of persons with disabilities did not receive sufficient attention during the tour. He accused the government of falling short in the areas of disability inclusion, empowerment and representation.
He also questioned the current state of the NPP Disability Wing, claiming that it is not functioning effectively. Mbowe said he had recently spoken with some members of the wing and urged that the matter be taken seriously.
Beyond disability issues, Mbowe challenged the government to account for several promises he said were made to Gambians during previous years.
Among the questions he raised were the status of the promised free Wi-Fi service for Brikama, technology support for farmers and gardeners, and commitments to improve health facilities.
With the 2026 presidential election approaching, Mbowe said Gambians should expect political parties and leaders to make new promises, but argued that citizens also deserve answers about commitments made in the past.
“Gambians are watching, people with disabilities are watching, and the time for accountability is here,” Mbowe said.
The concerns raised by Mbowe represent his position and have not been independently verified. The government’s response to the specific allegations and questions was not included in the statement.
