This Ugandan disability research project was concluded
in the end of September. From my part, it was concluded when findings were
delivered back to the Ugandan disability movement in October during my last
visit to Uganda. I had three main activities to deliver the findings.
Firstly,
I visited the three deaf women in villages whom I interviewed during my visit
in 2008. Popular version of the book was produced so that those who are
illiterate also receive findings and information in the colour-printed pictures. Obviously, pictures also have
shortcomings and cannot reach, for instance, those with visual impairments.
However, as I focused on deaf women in my research, I decided this way of
delivering messages. I visited their homes one by one, and gave both popular
version and a copy of my book to these three deaf women. I was very happy to
see them again, while they also welcomed me with big smile. One of their family
members said, “I didn’t know that a mzungu (white) could love us so much.” I
felt complicated by this statement, because of the perception generally
attached to white people who only use them and leave them. This is something to
think about for my future work, definitely.
Secondly, I held a book launch
at NUDIPU, the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda, the umbrella organisation
of persons with disabilities. I invited DPOs and informed them beforehand that
I was not paying any sitting or transportation allowance as many development
agencies do for holding a meeting. Nevertheless, some 25 people showed up to
pick up copies of my book. This was encouraging under the circumstance where
people are used to receiving money for any meeting.
Thirdly, I also taught human
rights Master students on disabilities and human rights at Makerere University
for one whole week; 5-8 pm everyday. Obviously, the teachings based much on the
findings of my latest book. But I am particularly happy for the three guest
lecturers who came to deliver their strong messages to the future leaders of
the country: one woman with a physical disability who was one of my research
assistants, one deaf woman who is the executive director of Deaf women’s
organisation, and one man with a physical disability who is the newly elected
Committee member of the Convention. They were eloquent and powerful. I assume
that the students would never forget these personal experiences of
communicating with such powerful disability activists from their own country,
even when they forget about my lectures!
My
research on disabilities, human rights and international cooperation continues.
I am now employed as research and development manager at Abilis Foundation in
Finland and also work as the research assistant to the United Nations Special
Rapportuer on Disability, Shuaib Chalklen. My experiences with Ugandan disability
stakeholders will continue to help me to modestly act towards equality from my
own part as a researcher.
