Salama School For the blind performing at the launch of DINI Awards

The Ivy Braille Foundation proudly launched the inaugural #DINIAwards2024 bringing together Persons With Disabilities, policymakers, and stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of Persons with Disabilities. The #DINIAwards2024 marks the beginning of an annual initiative recognizing individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact in various sectors across Uganda.

The awards featured a thought-provoking panel discussion that explored challenges and opportunities for PWDs. Key insights included:

• Ms. Lydia Abenaitwe, Programs Officer at Light for the World, highlighted the resilience needed for young PWDs to overcome societal low expectations and thrive in their environments.
• Mr. Mubangizi Andrew, Assistant Commissioner, Disability Ministry of Health, was grateful that the Ministry had done much in ensuring disability inclusion at all levels of health care.
• Mr. Musinguzi Julius, Program Officer at NUDIPU, highlighted that PWDs needed to be included at all levels, from local councils to Parliament.
• Ms. Guzu Beatrice, Executive Director, Guzu Foundation enlightened that empowerment begins with acceptance by the parents, further assisted by community and government support.

Recognizing Excellence in PWD Achievements

DINI Sports Achievement Award
This was awarded to Jagwe Muzafaru, the founder and chairman of Blind Football Uganda, for his leadership in advancing blind football. The 2024 Blind Football Championship saw participation from six visually impaired teams, with Strong Spirits emerging as champions.

DINI Best Education Institution Award
This is awarded to Salaama School of the Blind, which has empowered more than 800 visually impaired children since 1999. Salaama is dedicated to creating a sustainable future for visually impaired persons.

DINI Medical Excellence Award
This is awarded to Mengo Hospital for its unparalleled commitment to accessible and inclusive healthcare to PWDs and setting the benchmark for medical excellence in Uganda.

DINI Outstanding NGO Award
This award was won by the Uganda National Association of the Blind, acknowledged for its relentless struggle on behalf of PWDs. UNAB has done much for the community: computer skills training and Braille translations of Uganda's National Budget 2024/25, among other things.

DINI Entrepreneur of the Year Award
This went to Nelson Bugembe, an inspiring entrepreneur who uplifts and empowers PWDs through his work in ways that have become a gold standard for PWD-led businesses.

DINI Exceptional Leadership Award
This was presented to Mr. James Makula, Chairperson of the Gender and Equity Committee at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, for his advocacy in creating inclusive environments and his powerful message: "We are not social misfits; we have immense potential. Given the right environment, we will surprise you.".

The #DINIAwards2024 is more than just an event; it's a movement to place PWDs at the center of Uganda's development narrative. It reminded all attendees that Disability Is Not Inability. As put by James Makula, Chairperson, Gender and Equity Committee at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives:
"We are not social misfits; we have immense potential. Give us a conducive environment, and we will surprise you!"

Going forward, the 2025 DINI Awards will be all-inclusive, where the public will be invited to nominate and vote in the selection of outstanding PWDs who have impacted their communities.

We are deeply humbled by the support rendered by our sponsors, partners, and stakeholders who made the maiden #DINIAwards2024 a success. It is together that we have prepared a bedrock for an inclusive future.

#DisabilityIsNotInability