The Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Hellen Grace Asamo, has called upon the government of Uganda to increase the number of sign language interpreters in the public service to bridge the communication between the deaf community and the hearing communities.
Asamo made this request on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, while addressing the media, on the occasion to commemorate international deaf awareness week at the Uganda Media Centre (UMC) in Kampala.
According to Asamo, additional sign language interpreters are required even if the government has begun employing some of them.
“The government will work with partners to increase the number of sign language interpreters within the public service structure. You will note that the government has already started employing sign language interpreters, but we need to increase the number,” she emphasized.
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She said that the ministry has partnered with the Uganda National Association of the Deaf (UNAD) to ensure that service providers learn sign languages to remove the barriers that hinder effective communication.
Asamo highlighted that to prevent fraudulent sign language interpreters who might not provide authentic sign language, the government will ensure that Uganda’s sign languages are properly regulated.
Asamo clarified that the government will keep highlighting and encouraging the distribution of all essential information to other Ugandans to be accessed by deaf persons.
She said that access to information remains a critical issue for deaf individuals in Uganda; however, the government has committed to ensuring that television broadcasts are accessible, in accordance with the Communication Act of 2013 and the Persons with Disabilities.
The Uganda Deaf community started the commemoration awareness week from September 18–24, 2024. The International Day for Sign Language is commemorated every September 23rd; this year’s theme is Sign Up for Sing Language Rights.
Uganda will commemorate the day on September 27, 2024, at Lomukura Boma Grounds, Kotido District Local Government, and the Chief Guest is the State Minister for Karamoja Affairs.
