A key a part of the celebrations would be the “RUN FOR THE BLIND” marathon, which goals to have interaction the general public in supporting mobility for individuals with visible impairments.
Uganda is getting ready to rejoice International White Cane Day on November 17, 2024, underneath the theme “A White Cane for Every Blind Person.”
The initiative, spearheaded by Hon. Asamo Hellen Grace, Minister of State for Disability Affairs, is geared toward elevating consciousness concerning the rights and mobility wants of visually impaired people.
Minister Grace emphasised the significance of the day, saying, “The theme highlights the necessity for dedication to create a safer and extra inclusive setting for each Ugandan, together with individuals with visible impairment.”
She referred to as on the general public to prioritize the significant inclusion of visually impaired people in all sectors of society.
A key a part of the celebrations would be the “RUN FOR THE BLIND” marathon, which goals to have interaction the general public in supporting mobility for individuals with visible impairments.
This 12 months’s goal is to increase funds to present 10,000 white canes, that are important instruments that empower people with blindness to navigate independently.
White canes function essential mobility aids worldwide, enhancing each steering and confidence in every day actions.
The minister outlined the several types of canes and their position in selling independence among the many visually impaired.
According to statistics, the necessity for such initiatives is pressing. The World Health Organization studies that 2.2 billion folks globally expertise some type of visible impairment, with Africa accounting for round 26.3 million of those instances.
In Uganda, a 2014 UBOS report indicated that 2.1 million out of 6.4 million individuals with disabilities are visually impaired, comprising 33.2% of the nation’s disabled inhabitants.
Minister Grace reiterated Uganda’s dedication to incapacity inclusion, declaring that the nation has ratified key worldwide agreements just like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the African Union Protocol.
She additionally highlighted Uganda’s achievements in supporting visually impaired people, such because the institution of 37 particular major colleges and 20 secondary colleges for kids with visible impairments.
Marathon individuals can register through MTN MoMo utilizing Code 710075 or Airtel Pay Code 4370414, with kits priced at Shs25,000.
The occasion will start at 6:00 AM on November 17 at Kati Kati Grounds, Lugogo. The Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Anita Among, will function the Chief Runner, and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja would be the Chief Guest on the closing ceremony.
Proceeds from the marathon will go in direction of offering white canes for kids, youths, and girls with visible impairments, supporting the purpose of guaranteeing “a white cane for each blind particular person.”
This initiative underscores Uganda’s ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity and empower people with visible impairments to reside impartial and fulfilling lives.