Activists push for sign language in all Ugandan schools

Advocates for the deaf community in Uganda are calling for significant legislative action to improve educational access and communication for individuals with hearing impairments. The Uganda National Association of the Deaf (UNAD) is spearheading an effort to introduce a Bill on sign language inclusive education in Parliament. This proposed legislation aims to make the teaching of sign language a mandatory component in all schools throughout the country.

Robert Nkwangu, Director of UNAD, highlighted that the lack of communication channels is a major barrier preventing deaf children from accessing education, leading to higher dropout rates despite their intellectual capabilities. He stressed that deaf individuals possess the same right to education as their hearing peers and emphasized the need for government support in recruiting more sign language teachers.

Beyond education, calls are also being made for increased resources and trained personnel in other public sectors. Legislators are urging the government to construct more specialized schools for the deaf, noting the current scarcity with only two secondary schools serving the entire nation. Furthermore, there’s a pressing demand for sign language interpreters in healthcare facilities to ensure timely and effective communication between medical staff and deaf patients.

These advocacy efforts are underpinned by existing legislation. The Persons with Disabilities Act, 2020, mandates public bodies to provide sign language interpreters for individuals with hearing impairments. The law also requires the development of guidelines for the consistent and professional use of sign language interpretation and the establishment of national standards for sign language services.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/activists-want-sign-language-taught-in-all-schools-5602180