Sign language replaces spoken word at silent dinner

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Have you been to a silent party? One where speeches, anthems, live performances and conversations are all in sign language. This happened at Eureka Place hotel recently, during the third edition of the annual silent dinner.

More than 70 people attended. They included deaf performers, sign language interpreters and instructors, educationists, volunteers and advocates from Lira, Kalangala, Mukono, Kampala and Wakiso districts. Others were sign-language students, teachers, medical workers, disability inclusion officers and business leaders.

The event was organised by Sign Language for All (SLFA) in partnership with Sound of Silence Africa Initiative under the theme, Empowering deaf voices, innovation, access and equality. 

Alex Ogwal, CEO of Sign Language for All (SLFA) making his remarks. (Photo by Ritah Mukasa)

Alex Ogwal, the SLFA founder, says, “The dinner is a deliberate act of reversal.” For hours, hearing people and the deaf experience inclusive communication through sign language. Usually, he says, the deaf take a back seat at events, but this time, they are on the steering wheel as hosts and performers.

He is quick to add that the event serves to amplify the lived realities and talents of Uganda’s more than 1.29 million deaf people (UBOS 2022 and WHO estimates). It also helps to promote Ugandan sign language as a powerful tool for inclusion, where everyone can sign freely. In addition, it challenges society to move from pity to genuine partnership and empowerment of the deaf citizens.

While officiating over the event, Abel Odeke, the CEO of Equal Aqua Uganda, said deaf people go through a lot, which is why they need advocacy.

He urged the group to promote sign language and sensitise communities on the needs of deaf people.

“Our organisation has been focusing on helping schools with disabilities,” he said. Two years ago, they donated a 10,000-litre tank to Mbale School for the Deaf and two latrines to Nancy's School for the Deaf.

Meanwhile, the dinner was also electrified by live performances from deaf poets, dancers and musicians.

One such is Morish Okabo, who signed a poem on the lived realities of deaf persons. He was followed by a signed song performance by Ritah Tukahirwa amidst ululations from the audience.

Abel Odeke, the CEO of Equal Aqua Uganda (left), the guest of honor, rewards Kizito Anguzu for his outstanding contribution as a sign language interpreter. (Photo by Ritah Mukasa)

The two deaf MCs, Isaac Muhumuza and Joyce Nakijjoba, also kept the energy high while using the Ugandan sign language.

Also, the ‘Deaf Assist Mobile App’ (Version 1.0), a revolutionary platform offering 24/7 video-relay interpretation, interpreter booking per district, AI captioning, sign-language learning resources and a community forum was also launched.

The night ended with a graduation of 80 sign language trainers. Ogwal says they have so far trained over 500 people in sign language since 2023. Also, the best Sign language centres, instructors and interpreters were awarded.