Living as a refugee presents its own set of challenges, but when compounded with a disability, the difficulties can seem insurmountable. In Kyangwali, a refugee settlement in Uganda, people who are blind face these additional hardships every day. Their struggle is not just about finding a place in a new country but also about navigating a world that isn’t designed for them.
In Kyangwali, daily life for those who are blind is fraught with obstacles. Uneven ground makes it difficult to move around, and with nothing tailored for the visually impaired, simple tasks become monumental. Distances seem longer when you can’t see the way, and the journey from one place to another can be exhausting and time-consuming. The bustling environment of Kyangwali, while full of life, can be perilous without someone to guide and protect them.
Poli Poli, an 18-year-old blind man living in the settlement, understands these challenges all too well. “I call him Driver because he drives me around,” Poli Poli says with a laugh, referring to the young boy who helps him navigate the settlement. Driver is a lifeline, leading Poli Poli through the maze of Kyangwali, ensuring he reaches his destination safely.
