The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Persons living with disability in Gulu district are demanding for sign language interpreters involved in the sensitization exercise on COVID -19.
Their concerns come after no sign language interpreter has been included among the team going out to sensitize the local community on COVID -19.
Denise Lakwo-nyero Ocen, the District LCV Councillor representing persons with disability, says that those with hearing impairment are not receiving information about COVID -19 since no one is interpreting the information to them.
Lakwo –nyero revealed that there are 2,124 persons with hearing impairment out of a total of 32,259 persons living with disability in Gulu district.
He says that Gulu District Coronavirus taskforce should begin using sign language interpreter so that those with hearing impairment can understand how protect themselves against COVID -19.
Evelyn Gloria Piloya, a disability activist revealed that the way the general public is being sensitized in Gulu currently has excluded those with hearing impairment, an error that needs to be rectified.
Piloya also appealed to security organs to be considerate to those with severe mental and physical disabilities especially in the hours of curfew.
Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, the Gulu district chairman who also doubles as the vice-chairman of Gulu district Coronavirus Taskforce acknowledged the plight of the persons living with disabilities saying sign language interpreters shall be trained once the government releases funds to the district.
Currently, Gulu district with financial assistance from well-wisher is carrying out sensitization exercise to the local community about COVID -19 and how they can prevent its spread.
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