Deaf-led. Women-led. Community-rooted.
Since 2015, KUYODA has worked from within Kyaka II Refugee Settlement to remove communication barriers and advance dignity, rights, health, livelihood and inclusive education for Deaf and non-speaking people.
Who we are
Kyaka United Youth Deaf Association (KUYODA) is a registered non-profit community organisation based in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, Kyegegwa District, Uganda. KUYODA was founded in 2015 by Deaf youth who experienced first-hand the pain of being excluded from classrooms, clinics, public services and community decisions because communication was not accessible.
Today, KUYODA is a trusted Deaf-led and women-led organisation serving Deaf, hard-of-hearing and non-speaking children, women, girls, youth, caregivers and vulnerable families in refugee and host-community settings.
Our Vision
A society where Deaf and non-speaking children, women, girls and youth learn, participate, access services and thrive with dignity, full inclusion and equal opportunity.
Our Mission
To remove communication barriers and promote rights, health, livelihood and inclusive education through community-led, sign-language-accessible, rights-based and safeguarding-centred programmes.
Our story
KUYODA began as a small group of Deaf young people supporting one another in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement. Many had grown up in schools where no teacher used sign language, in homes where caregivers could not communicate with them, and in communities where Deaf children were often misunderstood, hidden or excluded.
The group started by sharing sign language skills, supporting children, engaging caregivers and creating safe spaces where Deaf and non-speaking children could be seen, understood and valued. Over time, this community initiative grew into KUYODA: a movement for dignity, rights, health, livelihood and inclusive education.
Since 2015, KUYODA has expanded from informal peer support to structured community programmes, inclusive learning and play hubs, caregiver training, youth leadership, protection referral support, health and SRHR advocacy, livelihood support and disability-rights engagement with local leaders, schools, health facilities and partners.
Our values
Inclusion & Equity
Every person deserves access, respect and opportunity.
Dignity & Participation
Deaf people must lead decisions affecting their lives.
Rights & Protection
Safety, safeguarding and justice are central to our work.
Child-Centred Practice
Children's learning, safety, play and wellbeing come first.
Accountability & Integrity
We manage resources responsibly and transparently.
Community Ownership
Solutions must be built with the community, not only for it.