Africa-Press – Uganda. The Uganda Society of Architects (USA) has today, 1st May 2025, hosted its 3rd Annual Sports Gala at the International University of East Africa (IUEA), under the theme “Fundraising for Perkins Braillers and White Canes.”
The vibrant event brought together architects, professionals, sponsors, and community members to support a noble cause: empowering visually impaired Ugandans with essential tools for education and mobility.
The gala aimed to raise approximately Shs 150 million to purchase 20 Perkins Brailler machines, each costing Shs 3.5 million, and 50 white canes, priced at Shs 100,000 each.
These tools are critical for visually impaired individuals, enabling access to education, communication, and independent navigation. The event underscored USA’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and community empowerment.
The chief guest, Judith Nabakooba, Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, commended USA for their initiative, describing it as a “heartfelt and kind act of social responsibility.”
In her address, she emphasised the importance of inclusion, stating, “A braille machine is not just a device; it is access to education, communication, independence, and empowerment. A white cane is not just a stick it symbolises autonomy, confidence, and the ability to manoeuvre the designed world.”
Reflecting on Labour Day, the Minister highlighted the need for safe and fair workplaces, urging all sectors to prioritise workers’ rights.
She praised USA for “laying a firm foundation for empowerment, brick by brick,” and pledged government support for initiatives uplifting marginalised groups. “Architects do more than design spaces; they shape the society we want to live in,” she added.
Arch. Jerome Stolwell Olowo, Vice President of USA, outlined the financial goal of the gala, emphasising the urgency of the cause.
“Recently, a school in Mukono registered deaths because disabled individuals couldn’t help themselves,” he noted, highlighting the dire need for mobility aids. He expressed gratitude to sponsors, including Tyrexpress, JKI Consultants, Beta Inspiration, SafeBoda, IUEA, UNAB, JIBU, and the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, for their unwavering support.
Mr. Meerasa Saleem of Tyrexpress, a key sponsor, described the gala as a “humanity cause” and pledged to rally more partners for future initiatives.
Meanwhile, Master Ntakky from Beta Inspiration contributed a live painting for auction, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting visually impaired individuals. The artwork symbolised hope for people with disabilities.
Mr. Anguyo Richard Roy, Chairman of the Uganda National Association of the Blind (UNAB), a partner in the gala, underscored the significance of the Perkins Brailler and white cane.
“The Brailler is equivalent to a pen, and the white cane is a mobility tool recognised in the Traffic Act,” he explained.
He noted that these items are expensive and unavailable locally, making fundraising efforts critical. Anguyo also called for the registration of the Uganda Blind Sports Association to enable visually impaired athletes to participate in the Olympics.
Ms. Brenda Hasalamea, also from UNAB, thanked USA for addressing the affordability barrier. “An ordinary person cannot afford a white cane or a Perkins Brailler,” she said, urging the government to prioritise people with disabilities in policy and planning.
The gala was more than a sporting event it was a celebration of teamwork, compassion, and community. As Nabakooba noted, the event exemplified the power of sports to unite people and the role of architects in designing inclusive spaces.
She highlighted the collaborative efforts of physical planners, architects, engineers, and quantity surveyors in creating functional and equitable environments.
USA initiative serves as a clarion call for other professional bodies to champion causes that uplift the less privileged. With the funds raised, the visually impaired community in Uganda will gain access to life-changing tools, paving the way for greater independence and inclusion.
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