On December 3, 2025, Rwanda joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, with an event held in Nyabihu District under the theme “Building an Inclusive Society that Promotes the Well-being of Persons with Disabilities.”
The celebration included the distribution of assistive devices, prosthetics, and various awards to individuals with disabilities. The Governor of the Western Province, Jean Bosco Ntibitura, who served as the guest of honor, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
In his remarks, UGWANEZA Norbert, Vice President of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), commended the Government of Rwanda for its ongoing support of the well-being and development of all citizens, including those with disabilities.
Members of the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB), who attended the event, expressed gratitude for being recognized and supported on this special day. They particularly appreciated RUB’s continuous efforts to advocate for their rights and empower them economically and socially.
SERUGENDO, a visually impaired father of two from Nyange Sector in Musanze District, shared her inspiring journey of resilience. After losing her sight in June 2022, she reached out to RUB, which supported her in enrolling in a Braille literacy program. Upon graduation, she received vocational training and a certificate that enabled her to start a small soap-making business.
“After training, I secured a loan from my local SACCO and began producing liquid soap. With time and effort, I expanded into making solid soap and skincare products. Today, my products are in demand, and I’ve been able to repay my loan,” she said.
She emphasized that having a disability should not be equated with weakness and encouraged others to believe in their potential.
SERUGENDO expressed deep appreciation to RUB for its instrumental role in her transformation: “I am truly grateful to RUB for their tireless support and advocacy. They have helped us gain confidence and become economically self-reliant. May God bless them for all they do.”
The event highlighted not only the resilience of persons with disabilities but also the importance of inclusive support systems, with RUB standing out as a pillar of empowerment for the blind community in Rwanda.
NYIRAMUTIMA Beatrice, a resident of Gataraga Sector in Musanze District, expressed her gratitude to the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) for supporting her with a knitting machine. She now earns a living through self-employment by knitting sweaters.
She addressed those who still doubt the capabilities of visually impaired individuals to produce quality clothing, urging the public to trust in their skills and recognize their capabilities firsthand.
She stated: “Some people still hesitate and wonder, ‘Can a blind person really knit clothes?’ But I assure them that we are capable. We just need trust and opportunities. Our work speaks for itself once people see what we can do.”
She concluded by thanking the Government of Rwanda for continually considering the needs of persons with disabilities and called for ongoing support to help them advance economically.
BENIMANA Aline, who works in the call center of RUB, praised the progress made by visually impaired individuals in embracing technology. She noted that digital tools have significantly improved their lives, allowing them to participate more actively in today’s tech-driven world.
She urged employers and opportunity providers not to overlook the visually impaired based on assumptions about their abilities.
“I call on employers to stop thinking that visual impairment means we are incapable. Give us a chance, and we will show you what we can do!” she asserted.
RWEMERA Eduard, from Mbogo Sector in Rulindo District, also shared his testimony. Though he lost his sight due to war-related circumstances, he emphasized that his life did not stop there. He and his wife now work together to provide for their family.
He encouraged other visually impaired individuals not to consider disability as the end of life.
“Losing my sight is not the end. Everyone should strive, in their own way, to be part of the journey toward development,” he stated.
These powerful stories reflect the strength, resilience, and determination of the blind community in Rwanda and the importance of continued inclusion, empowerment, and trust in their potential.
The Executive Director of the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB), Mr. Mugisha Jacques, called for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in high-level leadership and decision-making positions, stressing that they are capable and should no longer be overlooked.
Speaking at Isango Star, Mugisha emphasized that while the law provides for equality and non-discrimination, a gap remains in practice, especially regarding allowing persons with disabilities to take on influential roles.
“The laws are clear; no one should be excluded from any job or decision-making position. It’s time to take a step further and ensure persons with disabilities are present and visible in all areas,” Mugisha said.
He criticized leaders who underestimate the abilities of persons with disabilities, wrongly assuming they are incapable of holding key roles. He described this as a harmful perception that urgently needs to change.
Mugisha further argued that persons with disabilities should not be treated as if they require special opportunities solely for inclusion, but should be empowered to compete fairly for leadership roles across all sectors.
“Often, persons with disabilities are only encouraged to run for lower-level positions. I want to see them in top positions where decisions are made, so that those who still doubt their abilities can see for themselves,” he added.
He concluded by expressing a strong hope for a future where the capabilities of persons with disabilities are not only acknowledged but celebrated throughout every part of society.
This call comes as part of broader efforts to promote equality, dignity, and inclusion for persons with disabilities, particularly in governance and national development. It underscores the necessity of creating an environment where individuals can thrive regardless of their abilities, paving the way for a more inclusive future for all.
