Uganda to Celebrate Deaf Awareness Week 2025 with National Events in Mbarara
Speaking at a press briefing, the Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Hon. Asamo Hellen Grace (MP), underscored the importance of the annual commemoration, noting that Uganda has made significant strides over the years in promoting the rights and wellbeing of deaf persons.
Uganda will join the global community in observing International Deaf Awareness Week from 22nd to 26th September 2025, under the theme “No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights.” The week will focus on highlighting the critical role of sign language in promoting equality, inclusion, and human rights for the Deaf community.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Hon. Asamo Hellen Grace (MP), underscored the importance of the annual commemoration, noting that Uganda has made significant strides over the years in promoting the rights and wellbeing of deaf persons.
Why the Week Matters
International Deaf Awareness Week is recognized globally by the World Federation of the Deaf and coincides with the International Day of Sign Language on 23rd September. The occasion is meant to celebrate achievements by the Deaf community while also calling attention to their unique challenges.
According to the Uganda National Housing and Population statistics (2024), there are over 1.97 million people with hearing difficulties, representing 4.7% of the population—a sharp rise from 1.08 million in 2014. Hon. Asamo emphasized that this population cannot be overlooked, as deaf persons contribute meaningfully to national development.
“The theme this year reminds us that equal access to education, healthcare, governance, and employment is only possible if sign language rights are respected and strengthened,” she said.
Government Interventions
Hon. Asamo highlighted several measures Uganda has undertaken to promote the rights of Deaf persons, including:
Legal and Policy Frameworks: The Constitution and the Persons with Disabilities Act mandate the development and use of sign language in public institutions.
Education: Two model secondary schools for the Deaf established in Mbale and Wakiso; affirmative action schemes enabling more Deaf students to join universities; and over 70 primary units and special schools for Deaf children.
Capacity Building: Kyambogo University continues to train sign language interpreters, while government has begun employing interpreters across sectors.
Media Accessibility: All TV stations are legally required to provide sign language interpretation.
Democracy and Governance: The Electoral Commission ensures interpretation during election-related events. Law Enforcement: Police officers have been trained in sign language at Kyambogo University.
Economic Empowerment: Deaf persons benefit from programs such as the National Special Grant for Persons with Disabilities and the Parish Development Model.
Healthcare: Over 500 Deaf individuals accessed essential health services through sign language interpretation. The Ministry has also partnered with the Uganda National Association of the Deaf (UNAD) to train service providers and standardize Uganda Sign Language.
Challenges
Despite progress, Hon. Asamo acknowledged persisting challenges, including:
Low retention of learners in schools.
Unemployment and limited livelihood opportunities.
Shortage of interpreters in critical areas like health and judicial services.
She called on stakeholders to mobilize resources, support bilingual education, and advocate for early acquisition of sign language to ensure equal opportunities for all Deaf persons.
National Celebrations in Mbarara
The climax of the week will take place on September 26th at Independence Park, Mbarara City, with Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka as the Chief Guest.
Planned activities include:
Sign Language Training: For health workers, teachers, law enforcement, and community members.
Market Cleaning Drive: By Deaf individuals at Mbarara Market to promote community inclusion.
Public Lecture & Panel Discussion: On Deaf inclusion in national development.
Football Match: Between Bright Stars Deaf FC and a team from Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Movie Screening: The film “SPEAK”, showcasing Deaf talent and lived experiences.
Community Health Camp: Under the theme “Sign Language for Better Health: Connecting Communities.”
Radio & TV Talk Shows: To raise awareness on Deaf rights and inclusion.
“These activities are not just symbolic; they reaffirm our commitment to breaking barriers and promoting the rights and dignity of deaf individuals,” Hon. Asamo stressed.
In her closing remarks, the Minister urged the Ministry of Public Service to expedite the recruitment of sign language interpreters into the formal public service structure, noting that the Ministry of Health has already created vacancies at all levels of the health sector.
“Through collective action, we can achieve full and equal participation of Deaf persons in Uganda’s social, economic, and political life,” she affirmed.
