UNAD IWDP2025 Report – The International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) 2025
The Uganda National Association of the Deaf (UNAD) successfully celebrated the International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) 2025, held from September 22nd to 26th,2025, in Mbarara City, Uganda. Te event was themed “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights,” emphasizing the critical role of sign language in ensuring equal access to information, education,and opportunities for deaf individuals.
UNAD, a Not-for-Profit organization established in 1973, led the celebration of the International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) 2025 in Mbarara City, Uganda. With a presence in over 94 districts, UNAD has been advocating for the rights and welfare of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals,promoting Ugandan Sign Language, and providing support services to empower deaf individuals. Uganda has an estimated 1,979,613 persons aged 2 and above with difficulty in hearing, equivalent to a prevalence rate of 4.7 percent (UBOS,2025).
This report provides a detailed account of the proceedings, highlighting key activities, achievements, challenges, and recommendations from the event. The IWDP 2025 brought together deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, government officials, development partners, and stakeholders to advocate for Ugandan sign language rights and promote inclusion in Uganda.
