Rwanda Union of the Blind Welcomes District JADF Officers in Fight for Inclusive Development

In a significant move towards fostering inclusive development across Rwanda, officers from the Joint Action Development Forums (JADF) from all 30 districts have committed to becoming active advocates for the rights and inclusion of visually impaired persons. This pledge was made during a key engagement session organized by the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) on July 10th, 2025, at the Masaka Resource Centre for the Blind (MRCB) in Kicukiro District.

The event brought together district-level JADF representatives and RUB leadership to strengthen collaboration, raise awareness, and highlight the potential and rights of blind and partially sighted individuals.

Chantal Mutegarugori, JADF Officer for Nyarugenge District, expressed her newfound awareness:

“Many of us were unaware of the full scope of RUB’s work. Visiting MRCB allowed us to see firsthand how visually impaired individuals are gaining skills—learning Braille, acquiring life skills, and participating in agriculture and trade. This shows that disability does not mean inability.”

Mutegarugori assured that JADF officers across Rwanda are ready to champion the cause of visually impaired persons within their districts.

“We’ve agreed to advocate for RUB and work with our partners to integrate blind persons into district development programs. We aim to mobilize resources to support at least five to ten children per district with the necessary tools and opportunities,” she explained.

Eugene Mushimiyimana, JADF Officer for Kirehe District, shared similar sentiments:

“The practical skills taught at MRCB—farming, weaving, soap making, massage therapy—are impressive. The potential is huge, but the center needs more support. We will link RUB with implementation partners and seek formal collaboration with our districts.”

He emphasized the importance of recognizing blind residents not merely as beneficiaries of aid but as vital contributors to community growth:

“They are not just RUB members—they are our citizens. It’s our duty to empower them fully.”

Jacques Mugisha, Executive Director of RUB, highlighted that this meeting was essential to bridge gaps in visibility and cooperation.

“Our work remains largely unknown in many districts, especially among JADF members. We organized this event to foster partnerships, advocate for formal collaborations, and showcase our achievements at MRCB—our flagship center that has trained over 1,140 blind and partially sighted persons since 2000, with at least one beneficiary from each district.”

He also noted that due to limited resources, RUB currently supports only 60 individuals annually. With increased advocacy and district support, Mugisha hopes this number will grow significantly.

As a symbol of renewed commitment, each JADF officer received five white canes to distribute within their districts—practical tools that also serve as a reminder of their new responsibility as champions for inclusion.

This meeting signifies a new chapter for RUB’s advocacy efforts—a collective journey grounded in shared vision, practical action, and the belief that Rwanda can achieve true inclusivity when all development actors work together.

VIEW PHOTOS OF THE MEETING HERE