By Richard Onapatum
Kotido, Uganda – September 26, 2024 – The National Day of the Deaf celebrations in Kotido brought together stakeholders, government officials, and the deaf community to emphasize the importance of sign language rights and inclusive education.
The event, themed “Stand Up for Sign Language Rights,” was attended by State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Wamala Florence Nambooze, Hon. Alex Ndezi, MP for Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Aleper Mageratte, Woman MP Kotido, and other dignitaries.
Board Member Uganda National Association for the Deaf(UNAD) Fred Yakwaya delivered a keynote address, highlighting the challenges faced by the deaf community in Kotido and Uganda. “With over 11,000 people with disabilities and 4,000 deaf individuals for Kotido, their is the urgent need to address education, employment, and healthcare disparities.”
Yakwaya appealed to the government to:
- Increase funding for sign language education and interpreters
- Establish schools for the deaf in Kotido
- Provide healthcare services with sign language-trained medical workers
- Promote inclusive education and employment opportunitie.
Chairperson National Council for People with Disabilities Yonah Wasswa emphasized the importance of inclusion in justice, law, and order. “We need sign language interpreters in the judiciary, law enforcement and Directorate of Public Prosecution.Chairperson Nodipu Aero Ketty appealed for equal access to education and representation of the deaf in government programs.
“People with disabilities perform poorly in exams due to lack of resources.”
Hon. Alex Ndezi, MP for Persons with Disabilities, reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities. “I will engage various ministries to address the community’s concerns, including education, employment, and healthcare.”
Hon. Aleper Mageratte, Woman MP Kotido, emphasized the importance of inclusive education and sign language diversity. “We need to promote sign language education, increase funding for inclusivity, and support schools for the deaf.”
Minister Hellen Grace Asamo, Minister of state for Disability, Under Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development encouraged women with disabilities to participate in government programs, particularly the GROW project. “We have registered 250 women in Kotido, and I urge more to join. The loan ranges from UGX 400,000 to UGX 200 million.”
The Guest of Honour State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Wamala Florence Nambooze pledged to address the concerns of persons with disabilities. “I will work closely with the disability community to understand their needs. We must promote peace, love, and unity in Karamoja and Uganda as a whole
The event featured a cheque handover of UGX 25 million to five groups supporting persons with disabilities:
The groups include- Ngeset PwD, Lapermojong PwD, Nayese PwD, Neprimojong PwDs and Lorengchora Pwds
The National Day of the Deaf celebrations in Kotido served as a call to action for stakeholders to prioritize inclusive education, sign language rights, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
