Summary:
Twinomujuni, who works as a mechanic repairing printers and other machines in Rukungiri town, relies on his mobile phone to communicate with clients and the community through text messages and WhatsApp.
RUKUNGIRI: People living with hearing impairments in Rukungiri District have raised concerns about discrimination and exclusion from community activities.
In a written question-and-answer interview with our news reporter on Monday, Hillary Twinomujuni, a resident of Omukakabada Cell, Northern A Ward, Western Division in Rukungiri Municipality, shared the struggles faced by people with hearing impairments. These challenges include a language barrier due to limited access to sign language interpretation, job discrimination during hiring, promotion, and retention, as well as a lack of inclusive educational opportunities.
Twinomujuni’s concerns were highlighted on World Hearing Day, which is commemorated annually on March 3rd. He explained that many deaf individuals face difficulties finding work as employers often reject them upon learning of their hearing impairment.
Twinomujuni, who works as a mechanic repairing printers and other machines in Rukungiri town, relies on his mobile phone to communicate with clients and the community through text messages and WhatsApp. Despite his challenges, he has managed to provide for his family and pay school fees for his only son.
He emphasized the significance of World Hearing Day in raising awareness about the rights of deaf people and educating the public about deaf culture. Twinomujuni reminded the public that the deaf have a right to communicate through alternative formats, such as written notes, and deserve equal access to employment opportunities.
“Deafness is not a limitation. We are capable of achieving great things, and our hearing status does not define our potential,” Twinomujuni said, urging the public to show love and support for people with hearing impairments.
Meanwhile, Alex Twekwase, the National Secretary for Nurses and Midwives in Uganda, encouraged the public to attend regular medical check-ups to maintain their hearing health. He advised people to clean their ears properly and visit hospitals every three months for check-ups.
Twekwase explained that while people are born with good hearing, they often lose it as they age, especially after the age of 70. However, with regular medical attention, hearing can be preserved for longer.
CUE IN TWEKWASE…….ON MEDICAL ADVICE…..RR//
Uganda’s Constitution affirms the equal rights and dignity of all citizens with disabilities. In 1995, the government recognized Ugandan Sign Language (USL) as an official language. However, according to the Uganda National Association of the Deaf (UNAD), recent data from 2024 shows a significant drop in the deaf population, with only 44,381 deaf individuals reported, compared to 1,083,642 in 2014. This drastic decrease of over 96% raises concerns about the accuracy of the recent statistics.
It is estimated that over 95% of deaf adults in Uganda have never accessed education, underscoring the urgent need for more inclusive policies and programs.
