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Rwanda’s deaf community is urging the government to officially recognize sign language and introduce it in schools, saying the move would improve access to essential services and reduce exclusion.
The call was made Monday during a three-day African conference in Kigali that brought together sign language interpreters, researchers and representatives of deaf communities from across the continent. Participants discussed ways to strengthen inclusion, expand access to sign language education and advance interpretation services in Africa.
The meeting was organized in partnership with the Rwanda National Union of Sign Language Interpreters, the African Federation of Sign Language Interpreters and the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters.
Allan Mutabazi, executive secretary of the Rwanda National Union of the Deaf, said recognizing sign language as an official language would help address persistent barriers faced by deaf people in sectors such as healthcare and justice.
“Sign language is our native language, and like in other countries, it should be recognized here in Rwanda,” he said. “This would reduce the exclusion we face when accessing services.”
Mutabazi also pointed to broader challenges, including restrictions on obtaining driver’s licenses, which he said reflect limited recognition of the rights and capabilities of deaf people.
Joseph Musabyimana, head of the national association of sign language interpreters, said advocacy efforts are ongoing to ensure the language gains official status.
He noted that progress has been made after the government approved a national sign language dictionary in 2023, a step he said could pave the way for parliamentary recognition and eventual integration into the education system.
Officials have not set a timeline for when sign language could be introduced in schools.
More than 70,000 people in Rwanda are deaf, while over 1,000 deafblind individuals also rely on sign language, according to available data.
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