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Uganda to Celebrate International White Cane Day With Inclusive Initiatives

todayOctober 18, 2024 2

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A key part of the celebrations will be the “RUN FOR THE BLIND” marathon, which aims to engage the public in supporting mobility for persons with visual impairments.

Uganda is preparing to celebrate International White Cane Day on November 17, 2024, under the theme “A White Cane for Every Blind Person.”

The initiative, spearheaded by Hon. Asamo Hellen Grace, Minister of State for Disability Affairs, is aimed at raising awareness about the rights and mobility needs of visually impaired individuals.

Minister Grace emphasized the importance of the day, saying, “The theme highlights the need for commitment to create a safer and more inclusive environment for every Ugandan, including persons with visual impairment.”

She called on the public to prioritize the meaningful inclusion of visually impaired individuals in all sectors of society.

A key part of the celebrations will be the “RUN FOR THE BLIND” marathon, which aims to engage the public in supporting mobility for persons with visual impairments.

This year’s target is to raise funds to provide 10,000 white canes, which are essential tools that empower individuals with blindness to navigate independently.

White canes serve as crucial mobility aids worldwide, enhancing both guidance and confidence in daily activities.

The minister outlined the different types of canes and their role in promoting independence among the visually impaired.

According to statistics, the need for such initiatives is urgent. The World Health Organization reports that 2.2 billion people globally experience some form of visual impairment, with Africa accounting for around 26.3 million of these cases.