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we 're celebrating the

International Week of Deaf People 2025

from 22nd-26th September

Join us!
we 're celebrating the

International Week of Deaf People 2025

from 22nd-26th September

Join us!
2025 Theme

“No Human Rights
without Sign Language Rights”

Today at the IWDP2025:

Main Event in Mbarara City, Live Telecast

Welcome to the IWDP2025
Website of the Uganda National
Association of Deaf People (UNAD)

A welcome message from Robert Nkwangu, Executive Director, UNAD

The International Week of Deaf People 2025: Celebrating Deaf Culture, Ugandan Sign Language, and Human Rights

The International Week of Deaf People 2025, led organized by the Ugandan National Association of the Deaf in collaboration with the Government Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mbarara City Local government and Partners, shines a light on this year’s theme: No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights. Together we celebrate Deaf culture, Ugandan Sign Language, push for recognition, and affirm that true equality starts with accessible communication.

Visit the UNAD Website
Visit the UNAD Website

Learn

Learn

Step into the Sign Language Zone and start signing!

Participate

Participate

Checkout the IWDP2025 calendar and celebrate with us!

Support

Support

Show you support and sign our Solidarity Wall!

Participate

Participate

Event Calendar

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7 Days, 7 Themes

7 Days, 7 Themes

As part of the International Week of Deaf People, each of the seven days is dedicated to a different theme — from education and public services to culture, leadership, employment, and allies.
This global initiative highlights key areas that shape the lives of deaf communities. At UNAD, we bring these themes into the Ugandan context, showcasing local experiences, challenges, and opportunities. Explore our seven contributions below to see how each theme resonates here at home.

Learn!

Learn!

Step into the Sign Language Zone

Inclusion begins with communication.
Learning to sign bridges the gap, empowering the deaf community and encouraging the public to take part, too.
Explore Ugandan Sign Language with interactive tools and the Usign App.

Learning Ugandan Sign Language is now easier than ever with the official USign App by UNAD.

Developed by the Uganda National Association of the Deaf, Usign makes learning Ugandan Sign Language accessible to everyone. Whether you’re Deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing, the app helps you take the first steps towards meaningful communication and inclusion.

Test Your Knowledge of Ugandan Sign Language

A quick, fun quiz for everyone.
Whether you’re brand new or already signing. Try it out, then keep exploring with USign!

Ugandan Sign Language Quiz


Signing Stars

Signing Stars

#PlayerScore
1 Jackie Jilly, Uganda, Fortpotal 10
2 Molly, Uganda, Kampala 10
3 Kateme Martha, Uganda, Iganga 10
4 Soniti Francis, Uganda, Bugiri 10
5 Kateme Martha, Uganda, Iganga 10
6 Cleo, Uganda, Kampala 10
7 Micheal Emong, Uganda, Kampala 10
8 Soniti Francis, Uganda, Bugiri 10
9 Olivia, Uganda, Masaka 10
10 City-lla, Uganda, Kampala 10
Our Partners

Our Partners

UNAD’s partners are at the heart of IWDP 2025. Their continued commitment makes it possible to amplify Deaf voices, champion sign language rights, and create lasting impact across Uganda and beyond.

Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social Development
Mbarara City
Mbarara City Association of the Deaf
SHERINAH's New HOPE for Children with Disability Ministry
The United Nations Population Fund
Christian Blind Mission
National Association of Parents of Deaf Children
KPM Entertainment Foundation
Bank of Uganda
Smiley, Signs & Talks
Support Disabled Uganda
The Norwegian Association of Disabled
National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda
<span style="font-weight: 300;">The IWDP 2025</span> <br>
Solidarity Wall

The IWDP 2025
Solidarity Wall

The people who have signed this wall call for equal rights for Deaf people the right to communicate, to learn, to work, to be heard.

  • Rebecca Nabagesera, Wakiso, Uganda
  • Tonny Mulenzi, kampala, Uganda
  • Emor Linda, Kwania, Uganda
  • Sandra Naikambo, Butalejja, Uganda
  • Volker William Enke, Berlin, Germany
  • Sandra Naikambo, Makerere, Uganda
  • Nam Betty, Lira City, Uganda
  • Olubukunola Ebohon, Lagos, Nigeria
  • Solomon Ebapu, Kumi, Uganda
  • Erina Namboowa Ninah, Kampala, Uganda
  • Mugalu Erina Ninah, Kampala, Uganda
  • Tusiime Mary Gorettie, Hoima, Uganda
  • Okello Ronald Daniel, Lira, Uganda
  • Alex Tomkins, Kampala, Uganda
  • Okoda Bonny, Lira City, Uganda
  • Harunah Damba, Kampala, Uganda
  • Buyinza Alvin, Kampala city, Uganda
  • Isabirye Andrew, Kampala, Uganda
  • Joshua Abioseh Duncan, Freetown, Sierra Leone
  • MUTANGIZI AMIMU, MBARARA, Uganda
  • Ongwen Raphel, Kampala, Uganda
  • Ngabirano Robinson, L, Uganda
  • AbdulQuadri Issa, Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
  • Jalia Namiiro, Kampala, Uganda
  • Daniel Hama, Kampala, Uganda
  • OTENG HAMZAH, LIRA CITY, UGANDA
  • Ankunda Doreck, Mbarara, Uganda
  • Dr Akunguru Philip Denis, Kampala, Uganda
  • Namaganda Grace Bukenya, Mpigi, Uganda
  • Ooling Aporu Francis, Soroti, Uganda
  • Mugabe keneth, Mbarara city, Uganda.
  • Nabatanzi halimah, Kampala, Uganda
  • Ochede Isaac, Kampala, Uganda
  • EUNICE APIO, Lira, Uganda
  • APIO EUNICE, Lira, Uganda
  • Emmanuel Godfrey Wangwe, Manafwa, Uganda
  • Babirye Gloria, Masaka, Uganda
  • Kasasa Charles, Kalungu, Uganda
  • Leku Thomas, Moyo, Uganda
  • WARUGABA PETER, Kampala, UGANDA
  • Josiah Sserunjogi, Kampala, Uganda
  • Joyce Sserunjogi Nalugya, Kampala, Uganda
  • Nangobya Alllen, Kampala, Uganda
  • Emor Linda, Kwania, Uganda
  • Ruth Najjuuko, Entebbe, Uganda
  • Joshua Richard Busingye, Kampala, Uganda
  • NAMWOKOYI BASHIR, Kampala, Uganda
  • Lene Birk Hobbs, Ashburn, United States
  • Omoding Andrew Gerald, Kampala Uganda, Uganda
  • EARLIE Group, Kampala Uganda, Uganda
  • Priscilla Kisakye Mugume, Kampala, Uganda
  • Collette Kongai, Soroti City, Uganda
  • Gerald Koraneza, Kampala, Uganda
  • ADITE CATHERINE RHODA, SOROTI, UGANDA
  • Chebet erina, Kampala, Uganda
  • Arionget Marion, Kumi, Uganda
  • Amb. Sylvestre Sidie Mohamed Kallon, Kenema, Sierra Leone
  • Ssebuliba Herman, Kampala, Uganda
  • Byaruhanga Crospus, Kampala, Uganda
  • Bonnie Busingye, Kampala, Uganda
  • Juuko Alex, Kampala, Uganda
  • Faith Vickie, Kampala, Uganda
  • Billy Lumadue, Buffalo, NY, USA
  • Nakisendo Bint, Kampala, Uganda
  • Wabwire Abraham, Mbale City, Uganda
  • Gorretti Byomire, Kampala, Uganda
  • Ahereza Noah, Kampala, Uganda
  • Nyamwiza Hope, Kampala, Uganda
  • SNH Ministry, Nakaseke, Uganda
  • Kenneth Amadu, Bo, Sierra Leone
  • Abdul-Rahman Edward Koroma, Freetown, Sierra Leone
  • Fatmata Jalloh, Freetown, Sierra Leone
  • Abdul-Rahman Edward Koroma President and Country Director Centre for Social Economic Empowerment and Development in Sierra Leone (C-SEED/SL), Freetown, Sierra Leone
  • Lydia Atukunda, Mukono, Uganda
  • Atukunda lydia, Kampala, Uganda
  • Lalam Sharon, Kampala, Uganda
  • Gloria Nambozo, Kampala, Uganda
  • Martha PHIONA KAMPI, Washington, USA
  • Lawino Caroline, Wakiso, Uganda
  • Atwijuka Lilian, Kampala, Uganda
  • Emong Micheal, Kampala, Uganda
  • Derrick Garrido, Philadelphia, United States of America
  • Lydia Nsubuga, Kampala, Uganda
  • Smiley Signs and talks, Wakiso, Uganda
  • Namara Mable, Ibanda, Uganda
  • Maureen Nakazibwe, Kampala, Uganda
  • Muyomba William, Kira, Uganda
  • MCIPS. Wangwe Emmanuel Godfrey., Manafwa, Uganda.
  • Kisakye Ivan, Mukono, Uganda
  • Bwire Rwakatwe Edgar, Washington, United States of America
  • Tenywa Godfrey, Kampala, Uganda
  • Margret Nabunjo, Kampala, Uganda
  • Allan Ogwang Nume, kampala, Uganda
  • Ogwal Alex, Lira, Uganda
  • Moreen Nambalirwa, Kampala, Uganda
  • Kafeero Lyazi Vincent, Wakiso, Uganda
  • Esther Akantorana, Kampala, Uganda
  • Aciro Susan, Gulu, Uganda
  • TIMINA WASIKE DOROTHY, Kampala, Uganda
  • Nancy Katumba Muwangala, Kampala, Uganda
  • Lisa Bianca Lepp, Tilburg, Nederland
  • Mrs Ochuli Rose, Mukono city, Uganda
  • Kulayigye Felix Mutiini, Kampala, Uganda
  • Nakiryowa Brenda B, Kampala, Uganda
  • Rutereza Isaac, Mbarara, Uganda
  • Nicholas Nsubuga Mitala, Kampala, Uganda
  • Twalib Ayub Ali, Arua City, Uganda
  • Sávio Gomes, Florianópolis, Brasil
  • Débora Campos Wanderley, Florianópolis, Brasil
  • Lizzie Kapansa Kamukwamba, Lusaka, Zambia
  • Asiku Maxwel, Koboko, Uganda
  • Stephen Milton Odeker, Kampala, Uganda
  • Nakwanga leah, Jinja, Uganda
  • Diana Elizabeth kawona, Kampala, Uganda
  • Jane Tukei, Mbarara, Uganda
  • Cyprian Anyii, Arua City, Uganda
  • Atim Caroline Claire, Kampala, Uganda
  • Samuel Munana, Kigali, Rwanda
  • Moureen Kekirunga, Wakiso, Uganda
  • IYUTE DEBORAH OYUU, Katakwi, Uganda
  • Luyinda Hindu Gloria, Soroti, Uganda
  • Isaac Muhumuza, Kampala, Uganda
  • ESAETE BIBIAN, Soroti city, Uganda
  • Doreen Sandra Kauma, Kampala, Uganda
  • Imalingat Deo, Kampala, Uganda
  • EcoQuest Vacations, Kampala, Uganda
  • Anjoga Humphrey, Busia, Busia, Uganda
  • Bugoosi Sarah Kibooli, Kampala, Uganda
  • Lukenge Ivan, Jinja, Uganda
  • Namirembe Aisha, Masaka, Uganda
  • Paul Ssebata, Jinja, Uganda
  • Musonge Denis, Mbarara city, Uganda
  • MUSOKE DERRICK, LUGAZI, UGANDA
  • kusiima innocet, wakiso, uganda
  • Amaro peace, Lira, Uganda
  • Pieter Vergeer, Gouda, The Netherlands
  • Ameede Loyce Charity, Kampala, Uganda
  • Kiteme Brenda, Mbale, Uganda
  • Timothy Okwaput, Serere Uganda, Uganda
  • Opio Moses Andrew, Soroti city east, Uganda
  • Florah Zanic Fax Flavia, Wakiso, Wakiso
  • Kabuura Onan, Mbarara, Uganda
  • Okwir Tonny, Fortportal, Uganda
  • Anthony Ssekiziyivu, Lwengo-Kyotera, Uganda, Uganda
  • Ntaborwa Santa Esther, Bujumbura, Burundi
  • Ntaborwa Sabrina Gahimbare, Mubende, Uganda
  • SSEKIZIYIVU ANTHONY, Lwengo.Kyotera, Uganda
  • Florence Florah, Wakiso, Uganda
  • Betty Najjemba, Mbarara, Uganda
  • Balyejjusawo Ali, Wakiso, Uganda
  • Stella Nanyanzi, Nakaseke, Uganda
  • Ashiraf lumu, Kampala, Uganda
  • Kisakye Denis, Kampala, Uganda
  • Balinya Sulaiman, Kampala, Uganda
  • Bwanswa Joseph Amooti, Fortportal, Uganda
  • Muwanga Peter, Wakiso, Uganda
  • Yakwaya Fred, mbale, Uganda
  • Bwire Edgar, Mbarara, Uganda
  • Akoli Joseph, Kampala, Uganda
  • Nankinga Rebecca Olivia, Kampala, Uganda
  • Nassuna edith, Kampala, Uganda
  • OMONGIN JERALD, KAMPALA, UGANDA
  • Wabigha Nehemiah, Buyende district, Uganda
  • Ssengoba Patrick, Wakiso, Uganda
  • Emmanuel Ntaborwa, Kampala, Uganda
  • Natukunda Agnes Dagan, Kampala, Uganda
  • Chanzala Richard, Kampala, Uganda
  • Nyangoma Jakline, fortpatal, uganda
  • NSUNGWA MOLLY, Kampala, Uganda
  • Irene Mugisa, Kampala, Uganda
  • Micheal Emong, Kampala, Uganda
  • Kateme Martha, Iganga, Uganda
  • Soniti Francis, Bugiri, Uganda
  • Mayanja Eriab, Kampala, Uganda
  • Simon Peter Katwesigye, Kabale, Uganda
  • Namugabo Olivia, Masaka, Uganda
  • Benjamin Balidawa, Kaliro district, Uganda
  • Nabakiibi Deborah, Bugema, Uganda
  • Nannette Abrahams, Hamburg, Germany
  • Agnes Munalitsi, Kampala, Uganda
  • Nyakato Jeniffer, Kampala, UGANDA
  • Robert Nkwangu, Kampala, Uganda
  • Arno Haegens, Mombasa, Kenya
  • Karin Gasser, Vienna, Austria
  • Klif Okumu, Nairobi, Kenya

Stand with us. Add your name to the Solidarity Wall and join the call for equal rights for Deaf people — the right to communicate, to learn, to work, to be heard. Every pledge strengthens the movement for #SignLanguageRights.


IWDP 2025 Theme

No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights

The theme “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights” is a reminder that language is the gateway to every other right. If Deaf people are denied access to sign language, they are denied the ability to learn, to work, to participate in civic life, and to be fully included in their communities. But this is not only about the Deaf community — it is about all of us. Societies that recognize and embrace sign language become more inclusive, more connected, and more human. When homes/families, schools, workplaces, healthcare systems, and governments provide space for sign language, they are not offering a privilege; they are upholding a basic right. And when hearing people learn even a few signs, they help dismantle barriers and open doors. Supporting sign language rights means creating a culture where everyone has the freedom to communicate, to belong, and to thrive — a culture where human rights are not conditional, but universal. Take action today: learn your first Ugandan signs, share the message, and stand in solidarity with the Deaf community. Together we can make sign language rights a reality for all.

Take action today: learn your first signs, share the message, and stand in solidarity with the Deaf community. Together we can make sign language rights a reality for all.

How sign language<br>changed my life

How sign language
changed my life

Sign language is more than communication; it is connection, empowerment, and inclusion.
In this section, people from different walks of life share their stories of how sign language transformed their experiences, opened doors, and changed their lives.

News

News

Daily updates, highlights, and voices from the week.

In the Media

In the Media

Here’s what others are saying about inclusion and deaf communities around the web.