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About Us

Uganda National Association of the Blind is a non-profit organization that brings together all blind and partially sighted persons in Uganda..

Historical Background.

Uganda National Association of the Blind is an indigenous non government organisation (NGO) registered with the Uganda NGO board and registrar of companies No.S.5914/559 and 45785 respectively.  

The organisation (UNAB) was founded way back in 1970 as a unified voice by the blind and partially sighted persons who for a long time had faced the challenges of discrimination, marginalisation and stigmatisation by the predominantly sighted society.

Following the political and economic trends in the country from 1970 to date UNAB similarly underwent the winds of change to suit the blind and partially sighted.

 

Vision & Mission

Persons with visual disability face a unique set of challenges in their daily lives, as they must navigate a world designed for those with sight

01.
Vision

To have a self-sustaining Association of empowered persons with visual impairment, enjoying equal opportunities in society.

02.
Mission

To better the quality of life of the visually impaired persons in Uganda regardless of sex and age through advocacy, networking, capacity building and model service provision.

04.
UNAB's Values

Justice
Equity
Excellency
Transparency
Unity
Communicating loud to the blind.
Dignity for all.
Love for one another.
Using braille at all times
Respect for the whitecane.

03.
Objectives

To ensure the provision of quality services to all blind persons of Uganda.
To advocate for equalisation of opportunities of blind persons of Uganda.
To provide capacity for the empowerment of all blind persons of Uganda.
To serve as a leading expert knowledge provider on issues pertaining to blindness.
To network and collaborate with indigenous and international partners on development issues related to blind people.

WHAT DOES UNAB DO? (ACTIVITIES)

i) Advocacy and lobbying.
ii) Community Based Rehabilitation .
iii) Functional Adult literacy in Nabumali (Mbale district).
iv) Parents programme.
v) Capacity building
-Empowerment training for district executive committees and other blind leaders.
-Hi- Tech project; this entails training employable blind persons with computer skills in order to effectively compete in the job market.
vi) Special programmes for women and youth. (HIV/AID) reproductive Health and rights)
vi) Support towards economic empowerment of blind persons.
vii) Mobility and orientation.
viii) Recreation activities like sports and music.
ix) Agricultural skills training for the blind and extension workers.
x) Support to schools in form of provision of tools such as Braille papers and writing equipment.

Achievements And Challenges From Inception To Date

ACHIEVEMENTS.

i) Mobilisation of the blind and formation of district associations of the blind in 97 districts of Uganda. This has led to empowerment of blind resource persons in the 50 districts.
ii) Construction of a permanent building which is used as the office for the association.
iii) Maintaining a good image of the Association leading to Donor confidence and cordial working relationship with government and none governmental organisations.
iv) Expansion of programmes and acquisition of new partners in development making it possible to reach more blind persons at the grass roots.
v) Many blind persons being elected on political structures of government as a result of advocacy and empowerment programme of the association.
vi) The advocacy backed up the networking and collaboration with stakeholders has led to enactment of blind friendly laws and policies of government e.g. Tax free braille equipment, additional points for blind youth to join University and recognition of the Whitecane in Uganda’s Traffic and Road Safety Act.
vii) In 1999 and 2015 UNAB hosted the African forum.
viii) In 1996-1997 UNAB participated in implementing the Mobility and Rehabilitation Project sponsored by Tambartun Resource Centre.
ix) In 2004 UNAB opened way for blind students to join Primary Teacher Colleges with or without passing Mathematics.
x) In 2004, UNAB changed NUDIPU’S constitution which opened way for the blind to take the position of chairmanship/President.
xi) Increase of UNAB membership.