The Uganda Society of Architects (USA) in partnership with the Institution of Surveyors of Uganda (ISU), and Uganda National Association of the Blind (UNAB) among others have organised a fundraiser to raise funds to buy braillers and white canes for persons with visual impairment.
This is the third edition of their annual sports gala themed: “Fundraising for braillers and white canes” held at the International University of East Africa (IUEA) in Kansanga.
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The event was officiated by the lands minister Judith Nabakooba as the chief guest who applauded architects for inclusivity and supporting the marginalized groups.
“Through this fundamental initiative, you are making it possible for visually impaired respondents to see the world in their powerful way, through touch, sound, dignity and love,” Ms Nabakooba said.
She acknowledged the power of inclusivity, noting that everyone deserves a chance to succeed regardless of their physical ability.
“A brailler machine is not just a device, it is access to education, communication, independence and empowerment. A white cane is not just a walking aid or a stick, it symbolizes autonomy, confidence and the ability to maneuver the designed space in the world,” the minister added.
Brailler machines are used by persons with visual impairment to write while a white cane is used for mobility.
Games that dominated this year’s sports gala included volleyball, bicycle cycling, kwepena, and goalball among others.
Mr Jerome Stowell Olowo Jasilwanyi, the Vice President of architects, said they need at least Shs 70 million to buy braillers and white canes to be distributed in selected schools in Mukono, Kampala and Wakiso.
The drive is intended to help the young people who cannot afford these materials but with a vision of brightening their future through education.
“This reminds us our work as architects extends beyond the sketch books, drawing boards, computer aided drawings and sites. It touches the very heart of humanity with inclusive spaces and environment. As a society, we have chosen to dedicate this day not just to sports and networking but to a cause that aligns with our vision,” he said.
Jasilwanyi explained that braillers and white canes are not mere tools of luxury, they are instruments of freedom, and they open a door to education, mobility, dignity and enjoyment of the spaces that architects design for those who live among them with visual impairments and other limitations.
The chairperson Uganda National Association of the Blind Richard Anguyo said this is a great initiative for the visually impaired because those materials are very important but expensive to buy.
He said a brailler machine costs Shs4 million and can only be obtained from the United States of America. A white cane on the other hand, he says ranges between Shs70,000 and Shs200,000 and very few can afford them.
Mr Anguyo appealed to the government for financial support towards this drive to ensure inclusivity of learners with sight problems.
“We ask the government to support us in this fundraising drive. We need a lot of money to make this happen. If we get government support, our vision will be realised and lives will be touched,” he stressed.
Ms Brenda, Khasalmwa, an operations manager at UNAB, said these instruments will enable persons with visual impairments to participate freely in a normal society.
“I urge the government and various entities to incorporate inclusiveness in all sectors of life so that all persons with disabilities get to benefit from the resources available in their society.”
