Rwanda’s District Officers Commit to Supporting Blind and Partially Sighted Persons

Disability Mainstreaming Officers (DMOs) from across Rwanda have pledged to enhance support for blind and partially sighted individuals in their districts following a vital national policy dialogue held On Friday, 29th August, 2025 at the Masaka Resource Centre for the Blind (MRCB).

Organized by the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) in partnership with the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB), the event aimed to strengthen local leaders’ understanding and commitment to inclusive governance, with a particular focus on people with visual impairments.

During the discussions and practical demonstrations at MRCB, Eugenie Mukamukesha, DMO in Rulindo District, shared her reflections: “This dialogue challenged long-standing misconceptions about what people with visual impairments can achieve. It reminded me that persons with disabilities are capable, especially those with visual impairments.”

She added, “In Rulindo, I plan to identify all individuals with visual impairments, gather accurate data, and meet with them directly. I will also share the inspiring examples we observed today and ensure our district works closely with MRCB to support them.”

Similarly, Esron Uwitonze, DMO in Musanze District, emphasized the importance of assistive devices such as orbit readers and Braille machines, which many still lack. Inspired by the event, he committed to advocating for practical solutions through vocational training.

“We saw blind individuals farming, knitting, and engaging in various trades. This opened our eyes. In Musanze, I will prioritize skills training like ball knitting and support young people with visual impairments to form cooperatives, helping them earn a livelihood and create employment opportunities,” Uwitonze explained.

For Dr. Beth Nasiforo Mukarwego, Chairperson of RUB, the dialogue was part of ongoing efforts to ensure that blind and partially sighted persons are included in Rwanda’s development agenda. She urged districts to allocate dedicated funds for the education and empowerment of people with visual impairments.

“Everyone with a disability can access education, work, and earn a living if given the right opportunities,” Dr. Mukarwego stated. “We recommend districts support young children with visual impairments through tools like Braille machines, laptops with voice technology, and other assistive devices. For older adults, income-generating activities like soap making, farming, and massage are vital.”

She also revealed that RUB will collaborate with at least two districts in each province to improve website accessibility for blind users, ensuring they have equal access to vital information.

“We plan to visit these districts to ensure their websites are accessible. It’s essential for blind individuals to have the same access to information as everyone else. We will work with district IT teams to make this happen,” Dr. Mukarwego emphasized.

The policy dialogue brought together Disability Mainstreaming Officers from all districts and the leadership of the Rwanda Union of the Blind, creating a platform for sharing best practices and reaffirming a collective responsibility to advance inclusion.

Observers believe that these commitments mark a significant step forward in Rwanda’s pursuit of inclusive governance and equal opportunities for all citizens.