RUB Urges Unity and Integrity as Members with Visual Impairments Assess Inclusion Progress

The Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) has called on its members with visual impairments to uphold unity, integrity, and ethical conduct within their communities, warning that internal misconduct weakens collective advocacy and slows inclusive development.

The call was made on December 22, 2025, during the National Forum for Women and Youth with Visual Impairments, held at the Masaka Resource Centre for the Blind (MRCB) under the theme “Breaking Barriers: Empowerment through Inclusion and Navigating Challenges Together.” The forum brought together representatives of associations of people with visual impairments from across the country, marking the first national-level platform of its kind.

Speaking at the forum, Jacques Mugisha, the Executive Director of RUB, cautioned members against acts of dishonesty among themselves, emphasizing that values of integrity are central to trust, unity, and sustainable progress.

“There are cases where some members betray others by borrowing money and failing to repay it, or deceiving colleagues with false promises of employment in order to take their money,” Mugisha said. “Even though we are blind, we must uphold honesty and integrity in our relationships.”

Mugisha stressed that collective discipline and shared values are essential for effective advocacy.

“You cannot advocate for people who are not willing to move in the same direction. I urge all of us to work with one vision so that we can develop together without leaving anyone behind,” he added.

While acknowledging that challenges remain, Mugisha noted that RUB has made measurable progress in advancing inclusion for people with visual impairments and expressed confidence that existing barriers will gradually be addressed.

“We have reached a certain level, and although obstacles still exist, we believe they will be resolved step by step,” he said.

Participants at the forum echoed the call for ethical conduct while also highlighting the importance of dialogue between leaders and members.

Celestin Ruberanziza, from Nyamabuye Sector in Muhanga District, described the forum as a vital platform for engagement and accountability.

“This is a good forum because we meet our leaders, share our views, and express our ideas, while also thanking them for the close collaboration we have,” Ruberanziza said. “They are always near us, giving us guidance on different matters.”

He added that discussions at the forum encouraged personal reflection, particularly after witnessing some members publicly reprimanded for misconduct.

“I learned how I should behave after seeing colleagues who were called out for bad behavior. It taught me the importance of maintaining good conduct among ourselves,” he said.

Despite progress, Ruberanziza pointed out that visually impaired people continue to face challenges in accessing public services, especially in health facilities.

“One of the challenges we face is service delivery. At health centers, for example, we are sometimes not received on time. We are treated like everyone else by being given numbers, yet others end up being served before us,” he explained.

At the same time, participants acknowledged significant gains in education and economic empowerment. Ruberanziza credited RUB for supporting vocational training initiatives that have helped visually impaired members improve their livelihoods.

“We have made progress in vocational skills such as soap making, weaving, and other trades. These skills help us develop economically, and this has been made possible by the support we receive,” he said.

Saddam Hussein Ndayisenga highlighted broader social changes, noting that inclusion has expanded opportunities for people with visual impairments in both education and employment.

“Today, visually impaired individuals attend schools and secure jobs, including in government institutions and other organizations,” he said. “Previously, many lacked confidence, but this has changed due to the leadership of RUB.”