As Uganda prepares to commemorate the International Week of Deaf People and the International Day of Sign Language, from 22nd to 26th September, the Minister of state for PWDs, for Hellen Asamo, has called on the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) to make football more inclusive.
She believes this initiative will help promote the rights of deaf people and reduce the stigma they face in society.
“I am deeply passionate about this, and I am ready to engage with FUFA and its president to ensure this happens through the proper channels,” Asamo said. She highlighted that the number of deaf individuals in Uganda is rising, currently estimated at 1.9 million, yet they remain significantly underprivileged.
The minister also announced that various activities will be held during the week, including a football match between the deaf football team, Bright Stars, and Mbarara University, among other events. The Ministry of Gender has pledged to collaborate with the ministry of Public Service to ensure deaf individuals are not marginalised, particularly in accessing job opportunities.
Meanwhile, Robert Nkwangu, executive director of the Uganda National Association of the Deaf (UNAD), commended the government’s efforts to promote the rights of persons with disabilities, especially the deaf.
However, he urged the government to prioritise the enactment of a National Sign Language Law to promote, protect, and respect the rights of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Uganda.
