Sense International Uganda Receives the Award for Best International Disabilities Supporting NGO of the Year 2025
15 December 2025
Words by Grace Atiang, Sense International Uganda
Sense International Uganda (SIU) is honoured to have been recognized as the Best International Disabilities Supporting NGO of the Year 2025 at the Visionaries of Uganda Awards. The accolade was formally presented by the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda – H.E Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, underscoring the national significance of SIU’s contributions to disability inclusion and human capital development.
This prestigious recognition is awarded to institutions whose work demonstrates exceptional alignment with Uganda Vision 2040, promotes national development, and enhances the wellbeing of citizens. Sense International Uganda was nominated by the people of Uganda in partnership with Visionaries Advisory Board for transforming and equipping children with deafblindness by ensuring they receive quality education and can develop essential skills. SIU’s longstanding commitment to improving the lives of people with deafblindness and multisensory impairments has positioned the organization as a leader in inclusive service delivery and disability advocacy.
For nearly two decades, Sense International Uganda has worked to strengthen national systems to ensure that children with deafblindness receive quality education, early intervention, healthcare, and life skills. This award reflects the organization’s consistent achievements in:
- Early identification and screening children for deafblindness – over 30,000 children (0-8 years) have been screened for risk factors of sensory impairments; 400+ children have been identified and are currently enrolled in early intervention services.
- Improved early intervention services through the establishment of 6 early intervention units at Health centres across the country, as well as strengthening community screening and referrals of children to health facilities.
- Inclusive education for children with deafblindness – increased enrolment and retention of learners with deafblindness in inclusive education systems by building the capacities of mainstream teachers and designing inclusive learning materials, as well as providing reasonable accommodations at schools such as ramps, walkways, and modified toilets.
- Significant contribution to Uganda’s inclusive education policy – pending cabinet approval – which will ensure social inclusion and equitable access to education services
- Strengthening the capacity of government structures through research, provision of assistive technology, and training of teachers, health workers, and Village Health Teams. Over 50 special needs teachers have been trained to teach learners with deafblindness and over 200 health workers have been trained in early identifi
acation, screening, sensory stimulation, and making assistive devices for the children with deafblindness/multisensory impairments locally. - Family empowerment: More than 2,000 parents and caregivers have been equipped with home-based therapy skills and communication techniques to support their children’s development and learning
- Digital innovation: Supporting the development of the Global Deafblindness Resource Hub, enhancing national and global access to information and best practices. SIU has also supported 10 ICT Resource Centres in schools all over the country.
Receiving this award from the Vice President elevates the organization’s role within Uganda’s development landscape and highlights the government’s increasing commitment to inclusive service delivery. SIU’s work directly supports the objectives of:
• Uganda Vision 2040
• The Persons with Disabilities Act, 2020
• The National Development Plan IV
• International frameworks on disability rights
This recognition reinforces SIU’s role in advancing national priorities in education, health, and social inclusion.
Sense International Uganda remains committed to expanding its reach, strengthening partnerships, and advancing evidence-based approaches to support children with deafblindness. The organization will continue working with government ministries, district local governments, civil society, and global partners to enhance inclusive services and ensure sustainability.
As we celebrate this achievement, SIU reaffirms its dedication to ensuring that every child with deafblindness in Uganda has access to meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
Want to learn more about Sense International’s impact? Check out the pages below.
