Uganda is set to celebrate International White Cane Day, which aims to raise awareness on the rights and mobility needs of persons with visual impairments so as to break the accessibility barriers.
The day that is usually celebrated on October 15th will this year be celebrated on November 17, 2024.
While addressing the media, the Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Grace Hellen Asamo, said that this year’s event is unique because they want the public to walk the talk in supporting mobility.
“This year is special, and we want to have a fundraising drive to raise 10,000 white canes for persons with blindness,” she said.
Read Also: Minister Asamo Advocates for Increased Sign Language Interpreters to Bridge Communication Gap
She emphasized the different roles canes play in helping persons with blindness and that it’s important that they are considered.
“Apart from a guide to a person with blindness, white canes are the sure way towards independent living of a person with blindness. A white cane is a form of mobility aid that enables a person with blindness to go about their daily business, especially in unfamiliar environments, without a guide,” Asamo added.
Read Also: Build Inclusive Communities for PWDs—Ministry of Gender
According to the minister, the marathon will be launched by the Speaker Anita Annet Among, and it will be at Kati Kati grounds in Lugogo on November 17, 2024, starting at 7:00 am. She noted that the closing ceremony will be presided over by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at 10:00 am on the same day, and a kit will go for UGX 25,000.
Bingi Thomas, the Chairperson of People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Kabarole district, said that a white cane is not just a cane but a companion.
“The white cane is not just a tool; it’s my independence. It gives me the confidence to navigate the world safely and with freedom, empowering me to go wherever I need to, on my own terms,” he disclosed.
Read Also: PWDs Storm Court to Support Victim in Kyambogo Lecturer Defilement Case
According to the World Health Organization, at least 2.2 billion people across the world have a near or distance visual impairment. In Africa, approximately 26.3 million people have some form of visual impairment. Of these, 20.4 million have low vision, and 5.9 million are blind.
In Uganda, the UBOS report of 2014 indicated that out of 6.4 million Persons with Disabilities, 2.1 million are persons with visual impairment, constituting 33.2% of the disability community.
