Global: What impact did losing your hearing have on you and your family?
Alex Ndeezi: I felt hopeless and became isolated. I was labelled a stupid person. My family worked hard to have my sense of hearing restored. They contacted witch doctors, sacrificed many goats and cows, contacted medicine men and even met modern doctors. But at the end of the day it was made clear that I would never regain my hearing.
One day, officials from the Uganda National Association of the Deaf visited our village. They were told that somewhere in that village was a deaf person who could read and write. I was lucky because I could read and write, unlike the majority of deaf children in my country. Those officials convinced me that I was deaf but still alive, that I was deaf but still had brains, that I was deaf but still had potential, and that, possibly, those potentials could be put to good use for the benefit of the community and my country.
Initially it was very difficult for me to believe what I was being told. It was also very difficult for my family to believe it, especially my father. But my mother encouraged me. These officials introduced me to sign language. I gained confidence in myself and I was once again able to communicate with others. Using sign language, I could go back to school. Using sign language, I got a bachelors degree. Using sign language, I acquired the confidence to become a politician.
Why did you decide to get into politics?
When I joined the disability movement, I realised that the lack of effective linkages between the disabled community and the government was one of the major obstacles to progressing the human rights of people with disabilities. So, I decided to join the government system through parliament in order to bridge this gap. I believe my involvement in the parliament has been significant towards bridging this gap.
What additional challenges did you face as a deaf person, when trying to gain election to parliament?
The majority of my opponents used stereotyped prejudices to fight me instead of fighting me on principled grounds. For instance, they would argue that traditionally deaf people cannot participate in decision-making even at local level. However, I did my best to convince many people to accept the concept of ‘disability is not inability’ and I won.
What has been the response of your constituents to being represented by a deaf MP?
Initially they were uncomfortable but, with time, they developed confidence in me and that is why they have so far re-elected me to parliament three consecutive times.
What are the main problems faced by people with disability in Uganda and how can parliament help alleviate these problems?
In terms of expectations from the government, at the national level what we need is a legal framework – a positive legal framework which guarantees the protection and promotion of human rights of people with disabilities. Such a framework also guarantees access to social services and opportunities in society. Once you have a legal framework in place, you enact policies and programmes to benefit and protect people with disabilities.
What did you do yesterday?
I participated as a panellist at a very interesting discussion on mainstreaming disability into development that was organised by Ka Tutandike Trust UK, at the Commonwealth Club, London. Over 100 people, including representatives from government, civil society, national and international disability-focused organisations and the media, were present, and the particular focus was on the rights of the deaf in Africa. There was a strong turnout and it was a clear indication of the support for disability issues – a great platform for idea exchange and generating greater empathy and understanding about deafness in Africa.
How would you describe your home?
My home is modest but comfortable and lovely.
What do you do to relax?
I hang out with friends or play with my kids to relax.
Who would you most like to meet and why?
Any person who has not embraced disability as a human rights and social development issue. I would like to meet and sensitise him or her to our cause.
In Africa we have prejudices that once you become a deaf person, it means that you no longer are of any use to the family and the community. That is the conceptualisation and perception of deafness and the deaf community. Even rich families feel that sending a deaf kid to school is not needed and is not a viable investment at all. This perception must be changed and deaf children are to be part of communities like other children. We must work hard to ensure that deaf people are not excluded.
If you could change anything in the world, what would it be?
The widespread thinking that people with disabilities have no potential and do not deserve an investment or to be empowered or assisted. I would like to end the stigma and discrimination of deaf and disabled people and enable them to become respected and productive citizens.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
To love one another, and to never underestimate the potential of any human being.
