It is estimated that there are over 1 million people with hearing impairments in Uganda. But less than 500,000 of them are able to receive services in hospitals, schools, police stations and local governments due to language barriers.
The Uganda National Association of the Deaf-UNAD is calling upon the government to increase the number of sign language interpreters in government offices.
The call was made during a press conference organized ahead of the International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) which is celebrated annually on the September 23, as part of the International Week of the Deaf.
The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in recognition of the importance of preserving sign languages as part of linguistic and cultural diversity and to raise awareness of the importance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf.
It is estimated that there are over 1 million people with hearing impairments in Uganda. But less than 500,000 of them are able to receive services in hospitals, schools, police stations and local governments due to language barriers. UNAD observes that although the Faculty of Special Needs Education at Kyambogo University has trained more than 500 sign language interpreters, less than 100 are employed by the government
Speaking through a sign language interpreter, John Mbulamwana, the Executive Director of the Uganda National Association of the Deaf says that more needs to be done to provide sign language interpreters for the growing number of persons with hearing impairments.
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The Education Ministry is promoting inclusive education where learners with hearing impairments are encouraged to seek education in mainstream schools. In a primary school, Mbulamwana says at least four teachers trained in sign language should be employed. However, some schools have no trained teachers.
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In addition to hiring sign language interpreters, Mbulamwana says that government needs to pay them well. “We have trained some people but even the people trained are paid badly. Someone undergoes training and they are paid only 300,000 Shillings. This is little money in Uganda today. Better salaries are needed to attract sign language interpreters.”
Agnes Nampera Bulega, the focal person of Disability Rights and National Coordinator for Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development says that government is carrying out several activities to increase inclusivity of persons with hearing infirmities.
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Activities in commemoration of the International Day of Sign Languages in Uganda, will be held in Kisoro District