Blind Ugandan Student Emmanuel Pande Authors Two Books, Eyes Law Career

Emmanuel Pande, a 22-year-old Senior Six graduate from Iganga Secondary School, has overcome profound challenges to author two books. Born in 2004, he lost his vision at one and a half years old after a quinine overdose during malaria treatment at two clinics.

Raised primarily by his grandfather Charles Kenneth Mabonga after losing his mother at five and with an absent father, Pande moved from Kampala to Nabumali in Mbale District. He completed primary education at Madera School for the Blind in Soroti before excelling at Iganga Secondary School, finishing his UACE in 2025.

His writing journey began in Senior One through literature and composition classes, supported by the English department. His debut book, Hundred Pieces of Gold, is an anthology tackling themes like wealth, leadership, AI, education, and time.

Pande launched his second book, Attitude: A Master Key to Success, at a Mbale District education stakeholders’ meeting last Wednesday. Inspired by his grandfather’s unwavering support, the book honors the role of positive mindset in overcoming obstacles. He mastered typing on a school-provided laptop, as Braille remains scarce.

Beyond writing, Pande coaches public speaking and adjudicates debates. He aspires to study law.

His grandfather emphasized education’s value, urging parents not to neglect special needs children and to seek donor support. Iganga SS teacher Gracious Paul Ludigo praised the school’s special needs department, which spotted Pande’s talent in Senior Three.

Mbale officials highlighted broader challenges like teacher shortages—only 33 trained for dozens of schools—and called for inclusive infrastructure. Chief Administrative Officer Angella Akurut hailed Pande as an inspiration, noting government plans to prioritize special needs teacher recruitment.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)