The airbag is a small explosive device, please be careful. Normally I don't disconnect the battery when I am working on my car but DEFINITELY do it before checking the wiring on the air bag system!
The seat occupancy sensor are indeed the sensors on when to deploy the front airbags. You'll also want to check the wiring connection of the dash airbag by opening the glove box and next to the light to the left (yes, your glove box does have a light it's probably just burnt out) you'll see a hatch. Pop that guy open and you'll see a yellow connection. Yellow designates an airbag circuit and should be handled with care. Make sure it's snug and not dried out, it should be caked up good with grease. If you have a newer 01-02 (may also apply to 99-00 though not sure) you also have the front seatbelts with miniature air bags that lock the seat belt instantly upon impact. You'll have to remove the lower door trim pieces from all four doors and the lower B pillar trim to get to those connectors.
In the engine bay, you'll find an Air Bag Sensor that looks something like this:
There are two bolted to the frame above the wheels. One is hidden below the air box, the other just below the battery tray. Make sure those are also clean & connected.
That should be enough to figure out where the issue is.