Rwanda Union of the Blind Calls for Urgent Digital Accessibility Reforms to Empower Visually Impaired Citizens

Kigali, Rwanda — May 23, 2025 — The Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) has issued a compelling call for immediate reforms in the design of digital platforms to ensure greater accessibility for Persons with visual impairments. The appeal was made during a high-level meeting held in Kigali, which convened RUB members, government representatives, and digital accessibility advocates to discuss ongoing challenges and solutions.

Pappy Sibomana, a member of RUB’s Advocacy Committee and an assistant lecturer at Rwanda Polytechnic Musanze Campus, shared firsthand experiences illustrating the barriers faced by visually impaired users. “As a person with a visual impairment, I often encounter significant obstacles when accessing popular Rwandan online platforms such as Irembo and the Rwanda Revenue Authority’s portal,” Sibomana said. “These sites lack proper structure and accessible design features, making them nearly impossible to navigate using screen readers.”

He emphasized that many websites are developed without considering assistive technologies, including screen readers, which are vital for blind and visually impaired individuals. “Images often lack alternative text descriptions, and many buttons and links are unlabeled. This means crucial information remains inaccessible to us,” Sibomana explained.

Highlighting a specific case, Sibomana pointed to the Ministry of Public Service and Labour’s (MIFOTRA) e-recruitment platform. “While some improvements have been made, the psychometric tests required for job applications are still completely inaccessible to blind applicants, effectively blocking us from accessing employment opportunities,” he noted.

His message was clear: “Accessibility should be integrated from the outset of digital platform design. Retrofitting is costly and often incomplete. We need to design with everyone in mind from day one.”

Dr. Beth Nasiforo Mukarwego, Chairperson of RUB, echoed these concerns. She underscored the daily challenges faced by blind Rwandans in education and employment due to digital inaccessibility. “Our research shows that very few visually impaired individuals can use technology independently,” Dr. Mukarwego said. “Many government and educational platforms related to school admissions, government services, and job applications are incompatible with assistive software like JAWS, which hampers independence and access to opportunities.”

A RUB study released in October 2024 revealed that nearly half (48%) of persons with visual impairments reported not using any assistive technologies, while 52% relied on tools such as screen readers. Only 9% could access digital services with minimal difficulty, with over half (50.1%) requiring assistance. Additionally, 68% of respondents considered assistive technologies too expensive, and over 31% were unaware of associated costs.

“These statistics illustrate the digital divide’s persistent impact on our community,” Dr. Mukarwego stated. “We must work toward making digital platforms accessible and affordable, ensuring assistive tools are widespread and inclusive.”

RUB is urging government agencies, private developers, and service providers to adhere to international web accessibility standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), to foster a more inclusive digital landscape across Rwanda.

“As Rwanda advances toward a digital economy, we cannot leave behind persons with visual impairments,” Dr. Mukarwego concluded. “Digital inclusion isn’t a luxury — it’s a right.”

About Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) RUB is a national advocacy organization dedicated to promoting the rights, inclusion, and independence of persons with visual impairments in Rwanda.