Interfering with a White Cane is like poking a blind person in the eye–RUB

The Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) has urged the public to stop interfering with the white cane, likening such behavior to poking a blind person in the eye.

The call was made on October 31 during a press conference held ahead of the 17th commemoration of International White Cane Day, which aims to raise awareness about the white cane as a symbol of independence for blind and visually impaired persons.

This year’s celebration will take place on November 7 in Tumba Sector, Huye District, under the theme “Vision Beyond Sight.”

Jacques Mugisha, Executive Director of RUB, noted that the annual celebration has become an important opportunity to educate the public about the significance of the white cane. However, he expressed concern that some people still fail to respect it, including drivers who strike the cane while visually impaired individuals are walking along the road.

“The white cane is like an organ for a blind person. We consider it as our eye, because it allows us to see. In Rwandan culture, it is forbidden to point a finger at someone’s eye. So, when you interfere with our white cane, it’s like poking us in the eye,” he said.

Mugisha added that people often misjudge the visually impaired as incapable, but emphasized that they “use the power of their minds to see beyond their physical sight,” despite the obstacles they face.

He also highlighted that White Cane Day serves as an advocacy platform for mobilizing resources to support visually impaired people, especially those who are vulnerable. So far, 1,485 canes have been distributed, a number he described as insufficient compared to the total number of visually impaired Rwandans.

“We continue to raise our voices so that the relevant authorities can take further action,” he said.

Dr. Beth Mukarwego, Chairperson of RUB, stressed that the white cane is a vital tool that enables visually impaired children to attend school, yet many families cannot afford it.

“These children need support to access education,” she said. “Most of the equipment they need including white canes is imported and very expensive. Not every parent can afford to buy one so that their child can study alongside others.”

As part of this year’s celebrations, RUB has organized a week of activities focusing on the importance of the white cane and the challenges faced by people with visual impairments.

The week began with Umuganda activities in Huye District, where visually impaired people joined local residents to plant over 4,000 trees.

RUB also plans to hold consultative meetings with government ministries and affiliated institutions to discuss ways to improve access to white canes, promote awareness and dignity for people with disabilities, and ensure that no one is left behind in Rwanda’s journey toward inclusion.