Nabakooba hails architects for helping visually impaired persons
Officiating at the event as the chief guest, Nabakooba applauded architects for inclusivity and supporting marginalized groups.
A Brailler is a specialized typewriter designed for persons with visual impairment to write and read the Braille text. In Uganda, not everyone who needs one can afford a Brailler. (AFP)
By Umaru Kashaka
Journalists @New Vision
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Lands minister Judith Nabakooba has hailed the Uganda Society of Architects (USA) for organizing a fundraising event to buy braillers and white canes for visually impaired persons.
A Brailler is a specialized typewriter designed for persons with visual impairment to write and read the Braille text while a white cane is used for mobility.
The fundraiser took place at the International University of East Africa in Kansanga, Kampala on Friday (May 2).
Officiating at the event as the chief guest, Nabakooba applauded architects for inclusivity and supporting 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,” she said.
Acknowledging the power of inclusivity, Nabakooba said 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 fundraising drive is intended to help young people who cannot afford these materials but with a vision of brightening their future through education.
Jerome Stowell Olowo Jasilwanyi, the vice-president of architects body USA, said they need at least sh70 million to buy Braillers and white canes to be distributed in selected schools in the districts of Mukono, Kampala and Wakiso.
“This reminds us our work as architects extends beyond the sketch books, drawing boards, computer-aided drawings and sites," he said.
"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."
Lands minister Judith Nabakooba officiating at a fundraising event towards Braillers and white canes, at IUEA in Kansanga on May 2, 2025. (Courtesy)
Jasilwanyi said Braillers and white canes are instruments of freedom, opening the door to education, mobility, dignity and enjoyment of the spaces that architects design for people with visual impairments and other limitations.
The chairperson of UNAB, Richard Anguyo, said this is a great initiative for the visually impaired because those materials are very important but expensive to buy.
The Uganda National Association of the Blind (UNAB) was involved in organizing the fundraiser.
'Lives will be touched'
Anguyo hailed the initiative, saying that although the materials are very important, they are expensive to buy.
He said a Brailler machine costs sh4 million and can only be obtained from the US.
A white cane on the other hand, he said, ranges between sh70,000 and sh200,000 and very few can afford them.
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 realized and lives will be touched,” he stressed.
Brenda Khasalamwa, 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,” she said.