Robert Nkwangu at the USA-Africa Summit
With several years experience working in issues related to children, youth and people with disabilities (PWDs) Robert Nkwangu is a strong presence in Uganda and a passionate voice in the world. Robert, finalized the research thesis for his master’s degree in Social Sector Planning and Management from Makerere University, Kampala and though deaf since the age of 6 he hears the cries of many as he advocates for the rights of children, youth and people with disabilities (PWDs). In several capacities he has worked with Handicap International, the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) representing youth with disabilities, the Uganda Society for Disabled Children (USDC), the Kampala Capital City Youth Council, and the Finance Committee of the NUDIPU Board of Directors which he chairs.
This is Robert Nkwangu’s interview with youth Hub Africa
Q: What’s your background? Your discipline and your socialization process as well?
A: I am a Ugandan citizen, I am a Muganda by tribe. Due to malaria, I lost my hearing when young. I attended mainstream schools for my education. I am trained in Social Sector Planning and Management at Master’s Degree level. I specialize in advocacy, social research and project planning and management. I am also an activist for inclusive development, especially for youth and for the rights of people with disabilities. Besides lip reading, I can communicate in sign language. I also engage in civil service as a member of the Kampala Capital City Youth Council. I have travelled widely and advocate for an all-inclusive society – a society in which everyone is treated equally without discrimination. My passion if for people with disabilities. I would like to see them benefiting equally from available opportunities. I have worked and continue to work with a number of local and international organisations focusing on youth and people with disabilities.
Robert Nkwangu (right) during community Service in Maryland
Q: What do you think made your application a strong one and how much time and commitment did you put into it?
A: I am just used to making applications to different programs in which I have keen interest. I have the experience and have been successful on many fronts. I am sure that my brief, precise and straight to the point responses to the various questions made it easier for the examiners to read and judge quickly. My skills and experience in advocacy work, both nationally and internationally could have also earned me marks. I respond to questions basing on the experiences I have had in life. I spent at least two and a half hours to answer the questions, proof read, gather the necessary support documents and send. Before that I had read the instructions carefully a day before. During the face to face interview, I just had to be composed and give direct answers.
Q: How were you informed that you had been selected and what was your reaction on hearing the news?
A: I was given a phone call to inform me of the good news. An email was also sent to me. I was happy upon receiving the news. I knew that a number of learning and networking opportunities were waiting for me. I was excited. I know of a number of programs I have applied for but couldn’t finalize my selection upon figuring out that I am deaf and that it will imply extra expenses for them to sponsor my Interpreters. For YALI, this wasn’t the case. I have maximum respect for YALI as my being deaf wasn’t a bother to them anyhow. They were well prepared of all the special needs which may arise for them. They were disability sensitive. The first email they sent me was accompanied with information that all my special needs will be catered for. That wasn’t a surprise to me as I know many of my peers with disabilities had successfully completed exchange programs in the USA with ease.
Robert exchanging pleasantries with President Obama
Q: How did the 6-week fellowship change you/your life?
A: It exposed me to lots of learning and above all, many networking opportunities. I learnt about the best practices in public management. I had the opportunity to meet high ranking politicians and business people. I had the opportunity to visit many historical places and got to understand how our fore fathers brought about social change amidst the many difficulties they experienced. Their belief and confidence inspired me more to fight for the cause I have passion for. I have made great friends, I even received a presidential shout out (he even thanked me using sign language!). This to me signaled that the cause I and my comrades are fighting for is genuine and is appreciated – a morale booster!
Q: What is the biggest take home from this fellowship and how would you apply it to what you do?
A: The broader networking opportunities I got. I have hope that this will help me strengthen my cause back home. I have hope they will lend me a hand in the struggle.
Robert Nkwangu with Officials at the World Institute on disability where he interned
Q: Do you have any plans to share some of the things you have learnt during the fellowship with your contemporaries back at home in some structured form and what does the fellowship expect of you as well?
A: Of course, I am a youth leader, I am also a leader for people with disabilities. I will use the membership I have to share the skills I have got, to empower others, to share the opportunities got and to form a strong united team to help push forward my dream. The fellowship has invested in me in promoting the universal rights of all people. President Obama clearly highlighted this to me in his town hall address.
Q: What are your next steps?
A: I have to follow-up with all the contacts I have made to agree on key areas of collaboration as well as form a think tank and develop policy briefs on inclusive development especially in regards to youth and people with disabilities.
*Picture Credits: Robert Nkwangu
