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The Uganda National Assoc-iation of the Deaf, has asked the government to implement the use of sign language in all public places to enable the deaf to access services.
Speaking on Thursday at the Media Centre, Robert Nkwangu the Executive Director of Uganda National Association of the Deaf, through an interpreter, said there is an urgent need for sign language to be made mandatory in all public offices as it’s the only language the hearing impaired understand.
According to Nkwangu, this will simplify their access to government programs and information and ensure that they are included in society. He also urges the government, to hire sign language interpreters and include them on the government payroll.
According to the National Policy on disability in Uganda drafted in 2006, the government is mandated with promoting the use of sign language, braille, and tactile among parents, service providers, and communities. However, in public places such as courts, hospitals, ministries, mosques, and others there are no sign language interpreters to help the deaf.
Today sign language has been mainly adopted by media in news bulletins and by churches.