News

Visually impaired persons in Rwanda’s Southern Province are calling for the white cane, a crucial mobility tool in their daily lives, to be included in the country’s community-based health insurance scheme (Mutuelle de Santé) to ease accessibility and affordability. They say that the white cane is not currently recognized as a medical or assistive device covered under health insurance, creating a major obstacle that limits their ability to move freely, work, and participate in community life. “The white cane is our eyes. When you have it, you gain independence and confidence to walk and work. But the challenge is that it’s too expensive, and most of us cannot afford it,”said Marie Nyirabayovu, a visually impaired resident of Nyanza District. Visually impaired citizens say that although the white cane is essential for safe mobility, access remains limited most can only obtain it through donations from NGOs or disability organizations, and even then, the supply is inadequate. “Sometimes we wait for years for a donation. Many remain without a cane, which increases their risk of accidents or keeps them confined at home,”said Emmanuel Nteziyaremye, a resident of Huye District. The cost of a white cane ranges between $35 and $45 (over 50,000 Rwandan Francs), a price too high for most visually impaired people who often lack stable income or employment. They are therefore urging the government to integrate the white cane into the Mutuelle de Santé scheme, just like other assistive devices provided for people with physical or hearing impairments. According to Mugisha Jacques, Executive Director of the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB), some progress has been made in efforts to make the white cane more accessible. “Currently, the white cane is imported tax-free. That’s a significant achievement. We are also in talks with the Ministry of Health (MINISANTE) to make sure these canes are available in district pharmacies, so they are closer to those who need them,”Mugisha said. He added that the ultimate goal is for the white cane to be listed among assistive medical devices, allowing beneficiaries to obtain it through public health insurance or other government-supported schemes. The White Cane: A Tool for Life, Not a Luxury Beneficiaries emphasize that the white cane should not be viewed as an optional item but rather as an essential mobility aid for independent living. “Without my white cane, I cannot move freely. I can’t cross a road or even reach government offices. Lacking it is like having eyes that don’t see,”explained Béatha Uwase, a visually impaired woman from Ruhango District. They are calling on the government, health agencies, and disability organizations to make the white cane a basic right, rather than a gift offered only occasionally through charity programs. Health Ministry’s Perspective An official from the Ministry of Health (MINISANTE), who requested anonymity, told Radio Salus that the government acknowledges the concern and is working toward inclusive health planning. “We are exploring ways to make assistive devices like the white cane more accessible. However, this requires coordinated planning and budgeting across several sectors,”the official explained. Rwanda’s Broader Efforts Toward Disability Inclusion Over the past decade, Rwanda has implemented multiple policies to support people with disabilities, including the establishment of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and partnerships with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) to expand access to healthcare services. These initiatives aim to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy equal opportunities in health, education, and employment.Disability rights advocates say that including the white cane in the national health insurance package would be a major milestone toward a fully inclusive Rwanda. As of now, visually impaired individuals in Rwanda continue to advocate for the recognition of the white cane as a vital health-related device, eligible for coverage under the Mutuelle de Santé. Both the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) and the Ministry of Health express optimism, with ongoing discussions to distribute white canes through district pharmacies and potentially include them in insurance-supported programs. While the journey toward full inclusion continues, these efforts mark an important step in protecting lives, promoting equality, and empowering the visually impaired community across Rwanda.

KICUKIRO, RWANDA – On Sunday, December 21, 2025, visually impaired women representing 64 associations from across the country gathered at the Masaka Resource Centre for the Blind to reflect on progress and deliberate on remaining challenges. Held under the theme: ‘Breaking Barriers: Empowerment through Inclusion and Navigating Challenges Together’, the National Forum for Women and Youth with Visual Impairment, the first of its kind at the national level, aimed to evaluate the journey toward sustainable development and establish new strategies for empowerment. A Shift from Exclusion to Empowerment During the opening of the forum, Dr. Mukarwego Betty, President of the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB), highlighted the significant transformation in the lives of visually impaired women. She noted that while women were previously marginalized—and those with disabilities even more so—the current environment under the leadership of President Paul Kagame has granted them a “voice” and equal rights. Dr. Mukarwego cited her own journey as a testament to this progress, sharing that she holds a PhD and serves as a lecturer at the University of Rwanda in the Department of Education. Similarly, Madam Donatha Uwitonze from the National Women’s Council emphasized that the culture of begging once associated with visual impairment is fading as women are being equipped with skills and capacity. She noted that visually impaired persons are now ascending to high-level leadership positions that were previously inaccessible. Advocacy for Political Inclusion Despite these advancements, participants pointed out systemic barriers that still hinder their full participation in society. Olive Nagasanzwe, a representative from the Rutsiro District, shared a personal account of discrimination during elections. She explained that one day she attempted to run for a position within the general women’s council structures and she was told she could only run within the specific “disability category”. “I went home feeling ashamed,” Nagasanzwe stated, calling for advocacy to ensure visually impaired women can compete in all electoral categories. In response, Mrs. Uwitonze pledged that the National Women’s Council would launch a nationwide campaign to ensure that a woman’s disability does not limit her right to seek leadership in any capacity. Addressing the Shadow of Gender-Based Violence A critical portion of the forum was dedicated to the issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Mrs. Shafiga Murebwayire, the National Coordinator of Isange One Stop Centre representing the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), urged women not to hide the violence they face. Participants provided harrowing testimonies, noting that perpetrators often target visually impaired women specifically because they believe the victims cannot identify them. To combat this, the following measures were discussed: A Future Focused on Cooperation In his closing remarks, Mugisha Jacques, the Executive Director of RUB, thanked the participants and called for a unified front between the National Women’s Council, RIB, and RUB to find lasting solutions to the issues of violence and rights denials. To ensure these issues remain a priority, the forum is set to become an annual event aimed at continuously monitoring the development of visually impaired women and youth.

Kigali, Rwanda – On January 28, 2026, the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) signed an agreement with a construction company aimed at renovating the older buildings at the Masaka Resource Centre for the Blind. Mr. Mugisha Jaques, the Executive Director of RUB, stated that this initiative is part of a plan to promote hygiene within the Centre and align it with Kigali City guidelines. “The works to be carried out are commensurate with the resources that have been secured,” Mr. Mugisha explained, “but our long-term vision is to build a modern Centre in the Future.” The funding for the renovation of the Masaka Resource Centre for the Blind was provided by Lions Club Kigali Doyen in partnership with Lions Clubs International. Masaka Resource Center for the Blind (MRCB) is dedicated to provide rehabilitation services to Blind and partially sighted persons. MRCB is located at Masaka Sector, Kicukiro district, city of Kigali. “We are deeply grateful for this support from Lions Club Kigali Doyen in partnership with Lions Clubs International, as we continue to build and strengthen the livelihoods of visually impaired persons.” Mugisha said.