Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda will join the global community in commemorating International Deaf Awareness Week, with government officials pledging renewed efforts to promote inclusion, strengthen sign language services, and protect the rights of deaf persons.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, Minister of State for Disability Affairs Hellen Grace Asamo said this year’s observance, running from September 22 to 26, will be held under the theme,
“No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights”, highlighting the central role of sign language in enabling equal participation for deaf citizens.
“Uganda will once again join the global community to observe the International Deaf Awareness Week. This year, we also celebrate milestones reached over the last 52 years,” Asamo said. “The theme reminds us that without sign language, there can be no full access to education, health, governance, or employment for deaf persons.”
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the number of people with hearing difficulties has nearly doubled in the last decade, rising to over 1.97 million individuals — about 4.7 percent of the population.
The minister noted that this demographic “cannot be left unattended because they play an important role in the development of this nation.”
Asamo outlined several government interventions, including the establishment of model secondary schools for the deaf in Mbale and Wakiso, the promotion of Ugandan Sign Language in schools since 1995, and mandatory accessibility measures such as sign language interpretation on television and during elections.
“We have already started employing sign language interpreters in government functions, but we need to increase their number to ensure deaf persons can access all public services,” she emphasized.
She also highlighted partnerships with the Uganda National Association of the Deaf (UNAD) to standardize Ugandan Sign Language and train service providers, including health workers and police officers, in communication with the deaf community.
“Bridging the gap between the Deaf and the hearing community requires deliberate investment in interpreters and awareness. This is the only way to remove the barriers to communication,” she added.
Despite progress, the minister acknowledged challenges such as high school dropout rates among deaf learners, unemployment, and inadequate sign language interpretation in health and judicial services.
“Government remains committed to closing these gaps, but we need collective action,” she said.
“I therefore call upon all relevant stakeholders to provide support for the early acquisition of sign language and to provide inclusive quality services to all Ugandans.”
The national celebration will take place on September 26 at Independence Park in Mbarara City, with Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka as the Chief Guest.
Planned activities include sign language training for service providers, a market cleaning initiative led by deaf youth, a public lecture on deaf inclusion, a football match featuring Bright Stars Deaf FC, a health camp under the theme “Sign Language for Better Health: Connecting Communities”, and a screening of the film “Speak”.
“We reaffirm our commitment to promoting the rights and dignity of deaf individuals, and to creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive,” Asamo said.
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