Mbarara, Uganda: Mbarara City has been confirmed as the host of this year’s International Week of Deaf People (IWDP2025) and the International Day of Sign Language (IDSL2025), scheduled to run from September 22 to 26, 2025.
The Uganda National Association of the Deaf (UNAD), in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development’s Department of Disability, made the announcement via an official statement shared on its social media platforms on July 30.
“Calling all deaf and hearing friends! The Uganda National Association of the Deaf (UNAD) is thrilled to announce the International Week of Deaf People #IWDP2025 and International Day of Sign Language #IDSL2025, hosted in Mbarara City… Let’s make some noise and raise awareness about deaf issues!” the statement read.
This year’s celebrations will be held under the global theme “No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights,” and will spotlight Ugandan Sign Language, Deaf culture, advocacy, and inclusion. The five-day event will feature public sensitization campaigns, cultural performances, community dialogues, and exhibitions.
Globally, the International Week of Deaf People is commemorated annually in the last full week of September, culminating in the International Day of the Deaf on the final Friday or Sunday of the week, a tradition coordinated by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD).
In Uganda, the event provides a national platform to celebrate Deaf identity and culture, raise awareness about sign language rights, and spotlight the challenges that Deaf people face in accessing services, information, and equal opportunities.
UNAD, which was founded by Deaf Ugandans in 1973, is the leading voice for the Deaf community in the country. It operates under the vision “Dignity for every deaf person” and mission to promote Uganda Sign Language, build capacities, and advocate for the rights and inclusion of Deaf people across all sectors.
The organisation has grown from a small association into a national umbrella body representing Deaf associations in districts across Uganda.
According to the 2024 national census by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Uganda has 41,431 Deaf individuals, alongside 273,167 people with hearing difficulties and 6,314 individuals who are both deaf and blind. However, UNAD estimates that the actual number of Deaf persons is significantly higher due to underreporting and data collection challenges.
“Communication barriers continue to isolate Deaf persons from meaningful participation in society,” UNAD notes. “That’s why our work focuses on promoting Uganda Sign Language and equipping the Deaf with technical and advocacy skills to thrive.”
The 2025 event in Mbarara is expected to draw thousands of Deaf Ugandans, government officials, development partners, disability rights advocates, and members of the public.
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