Namugongo, Wakiso: The Uganda National Association of the Blind (UNAB) commemorated World Braille Day 2026 on Wednesday with a renewed call for inclusive education and government subsidies for assistive technologies to support persons with visual impairment.
This year’s commemoration was organized under the theme “Advancing Inclusion and Equal Access to Information.”
Addressing journalists at UNAB headquarters along Namugongo–Kyaliwajjala Road in Kira Municipality, UNAB Executive Director Mr Tumwebaze Denis described World Braille Day as a global recognition of the right to information, independence, and dignity for millions of persons with visual impairment.
“Every year on January 4th, the world pauses to celebrate a silent revolution — the invention of Braille. World Braille Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a global recognition of the right to information, independence, and dignity,” Tumwebaze said.
He paid tribute to Louis Braille, whose tactile reading and writing system continues to empower persons with visual impairment worldwide.
Braille, a system that uses raised dots to represent letters, numbers, punctuation and mathematical symbols, remains one of the most critical accessible formats for literacy and numeracy among blind and visually impaired persons.
“Braille is not merely a code; it is a gateway to education, employment, and full participation in society,” Tumwebaze emphasized.
UNAB highlighted that many visually impaired Ugandans who embraced Braille have excelled in academia, public service, business and leadership — proof that disability is not inability when reasonable accommodation is provided.
However, Project Officer Ms Brendah Khasalamwa noted that significant challenges remain. “The production and dissemination of Braille materials are still limited, and many learners lack access to essential assistive devices,” she said.
She called upon policymakers, educators and development partners to prioritize inclusive learning environments and accessible technologies.
Appeal to Government
UNAB specifically urged the Government of Uganda to subsidize the cost of assistive devices such as Orbit Readers, Perkins Braillers, braille displays, white canes, screen reader software and corrective eye glasses.
“These devices remain unaffordable for many poor and vulnerable visually impaired Ugandans, yet they are essential for meaningful access to education, information, and employment,” Khasalamwa added.
UNAB reaffirmed its commitment to providing Braille transcription services, training and advocacy to ensure equal access to information.
As Uganda joined the global community in celebrating World Braille Day, stakeholders underscored that advancing inclusion requires sustained investment in accessible infrastructure, affordable assistive technology and public awareness.
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