Despite possessing enormous potential, the majority of deaf people in Uganda are marginalized and relegated to a low socioeconomic status and are denied access to mainstream services and life opportunities. In most traditional societies, deafness is commonly associated with supernatural forces, with beliefs that it is caused by witchcraft. These misconceptions are responsible for widespread discrimination against deaf people at all levels of society, various forms of injustice, and the abuse of their human rights; language and communication are key challenges.

Cultural and socio-economic barriers are a hindrance to human development and curtail Deaf people’s ability to fully participate as productive individuals capable of leading meaningful lives as equal citizens. There is no specific data to provide information on numbers of deaf people in Uganda—statistics give generalized figures on persons with disabilities, without providing categories of disabilities. This kind of vagueness makes it difficult to understand specific needs of the Deaf and to provide appropriate and practical solutions. Nevertheless, it is estimated that eighty percent (80%) of people with disabling hearing loss live in low- and middle-income countries; the majority acquire deafness as a result of preventable diseases such as malaria, measles, and meningitis.

In October 2007, Deaf Link Uganda (DLU) was established to respond to the needs of deaf people by providing meaningful interventions that promote their welfare. There are three major program areas with Deaf Rights & Advocacy cutting across all activities: (1) Education, (2) Livelihoods, and (3) Business Enterprise. Over the years, programmes have grown and expanded, although the Covid-19 global pandemic had a severe impact on these services.

DLU students graduate

Partners in Education

In expanding opportunities for education, DLU partners with schools for the deaf and provide support in educational materials: reading books

Literacy Development Project | LDP

Sign Language Training:

This activity provides language and communication skills for hearing people through provision of sign language training to enable increased interaction between deaf and hearing individuals and reduce stigma of deafness in society. Biplous Uganda Limited, one of Uganda’s leading furniture store employs over 20 deaf persons. Communication barriers are among challenges experienced between hearing and deaf staff; to overcome this, the company requested Deaf Link Uganda to conduct one-month sign language training for staff at management level.

Reading & Story Telling

To improve receptive and expressive skills in reading and sign language among deaf children, DLU conducts supplementary lessons at Uganda School for the deaf with children in lower primary classes. Lessons are conducted by trained deaf instructors, role models for the children. Story telling develops self-confidence and increases children’s vocabulary and ability to share personal experiences with their peers.