News

2009

Sign language training held for lawyers, police officers and state attorneys

Sign language training was held for lawyers, police officers and state attorneys. A total number of 48 people attended the trainings (3 lawyers, 2 state attorneys, 41 police officers and 2 interested personnel).This is in line with the need to bridge communication gap between Deaf and hearing people, mostly service providers and increase Deaf persons access to services they provide.

20 Deaf people selected to attend residential trainings in Convention on the Rights of PWDs

20 Deaf people have been selected from various districts of Uganda to attended 2 residential trainings in Convention on the Rights of PWDs. The 3 day training covered topics like:

• Introduction to Convention on the Rights of PWDs, importance of legislation to PWDs,
• The various legal instruments in Uganda and the role of Police, and
• Human rights commissions in championing human rights.

The trainings attracted facilitators from the legal fraternity, Parliament of Uganda, Police force and Uganda Human Rights Commission. The training introduced the participants to human rights, the various laws on disability in general and issues of concern to Deaf people in particular in Uganda. These include the Constitution of Uganda, The PWDs Act 2006, The National Disability Council Act 2003 etc.

Also topics covered include the role of laws in promoting human rights, the role of police forces in promoting Human rights and rule of law, the Role of Uganda Human Rights Commission.

By the end of training participants concluded that “ignorance is no Defence” citing their ignorance of the laws as part and parcel of their suffering. Poverty, discriminations etc. They had hence been sensitised on the laws, their knowledge and level of awareness raised.

Convention on the Rights of persons with Disabilities (CRPD) translated into uganda Sign Language

UNAD has translated the Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities( CRPD) into Uganda Sign Language (USL) for easy understanding by Deaf people.

96 participants undergoing sign language training

96 participants are undergoing three months Sign language training in the districts of Kaberamaido, Luwero, Hoima. These include the Deaf , their relatives and service providers.

Sign language training for the districts of Pader, Kasese, Masindi and Mbale

The 3 months Sign language training that benefited 118 Deaf people from 4 districts of Pader, Kasese, Masindi and Mbale ended. 40 trainers of trainees were selected and are to undergo 2 weeks further training in Kampala before they can start training in rural areas of their respective districts.

Ground breaking ceremony for UNAD resource centre (URC) in Mukono district

The Country Representative for USADF (United states African Development Foundation) Mr. Timothy Nzioka was the guest of honour at the ground breaking ceremony for UNAD resource centre in Mukono district. The project will take five (5) years. oTwo (2) will be for construction and three (3) for operation of the centre. This will see 820 Deaf individuals in meaningful jobs and provide assistance to 1,000 deaf entrepreneurs. The project is being funded by USADF which earmarked US $234,504 for the construction as well as facilitate the first few year’s training and mentoring.

Mr. Nzioka, the country representative for USADF addressing the guests.

Showing off the architectural plan of the stored building (URC)

UNAD holds its 6th general assembly

UNAD held its 6th General Assembly in December 2008 in Kampala. The General Assembly among other activities elected the following leaders:

• Mr. Ambrose Murangira - Chairperson.
• Ms. Christine Lule - vice Chairperson / Women Representative
• Mr. Alex Lawoko – Northern Region Representative / Treasurer
• Mr. Ssentongo Stephen - (Central Region Rep).
• Mr. Herbert Tibesigwa - Western Region Representative.
• Mr. Julius Mutagubya - Youth Representative
• Ms. Agnes Aserait Eastern Region Representative
• Mr. Asega Osman Badru West Nile Region Representative
• Mr. Alex Ndeezi- Board Secretary/Executive Director

UNAD received US $50,000 from Disability Rights Fun(DRF)

UNAD has received 50,000 USD from Disability Rights Fun(DRF) for raising awareness about the UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities.

The funds will be used for Sign language training to police, lawyers, court staff , production of simplified versions of the Convention and translation of the convention in Uganda Sign Language and training of Deaf persons in use of the convention in advocacy.

Gulu Deaf Association (GDA) to receive a grant from Northern Uganda Malaria AIDS and Tuberculosis (NUMAT)

The fund will be for awareness raising about the scourge of malaria, AIDS and TB amongst the Deaf persons in Gulu and Amuru districts in Northern Uganda.

3 Deaf persons elected to the 14 member Board of National Union

3 Deaf persons were elected to the 14 member Board of National Union of Disabled persons in Uganda (NUDIPU).

The three are:

• Ms. Aserait Agnes elected Vice Chairperson.
• Mrs. Florence Mukasa and
• Mr. Ambrose Murangira.

They will serve on the Board for the period 2009 - 2013.

UNAD Mbarara branch voted the best performing partner in 2008

UNAD Mbarara branch was voted the best performing partner in 2008 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) based Millennium Village Project (MVP). The UNAD programme officerMbarara branch-Mr. Africano Emmanuel received a certificate on behalf of UNAD during the end of the year party organised by MVP in Mbarara.

The International Republican Institute (IRI) Uganda country office has approved a 20M UGX grant for advocacy activities

International Republican Institute (IRI) Uganda country office has approved a 20M UGX grant for advocacy activities aimed at achieving the recognition of Sign language in Kumi District. This follows a proposal submitted last year by UNAD and Kumi District Association of the Deaf . The 9 months project is set to kick off in February 2009.

The Finnish Association of the Deaf (FAD) has pledged 65,000 Euros

The Finnish Association of the Deaf (FAD) has pledged 65,000 Euros towards the ongoing 3 year partnership project with UNAD.

The funds will be for Sign language training to families of the Deaf, teachers, Deaf persons and building capacities of leaders of the deaf to be able to address the needs of their members.8 school/units for the Deaf will host Sign language training centres and 4 new district Deaf associations will be established.