Some visually impaired people in Rwanda have raised concerns about the difficulty of obtaining a white cane, a vital mobility aid. They explained that white canes are expensive and not widely available across the country, making it challenging for those who need them to move around independently.
They called for white canes to be stocked in all health centers and pharmacies, and for the cost to be covered under health insurance, as keeping and obtaining them is currently difficult. These remarks were made during the celebration of International White Cane Day in Huye District.
Ndayishimiye Etienne, from Gisagara District, Kibilizi Sector, Muyira Cell, who was born visually impaired, said he struggles to travel without a white cane. He explained that the canes are expensive, and it is hard to find a place to buy one.
“White canes are costly, and there is hardly any place you can buy them. This limits my ability to go anywhere and leaves me feeling isolated,” he said.
His mother, Vumuriya Marie Louise, noted that she often accompanies her son when he needs to travel, and obtaining a cane is extremely difficult even though he has been trained to use one.
Another visually impaired person, Ingabire Severain, highlighted that white canes should be as accessible as other medical aids, such as medicines or eyeglasses.
“We can easily access medicines at local pharmacies, or get eyeglasses, but white canes are only available at Kamonyi (Bishenyi) and Kabgayi Eye Hospitals,” he explained. Ingabire added that the current supply of canes is limited, and they hope that white canes become widely available across the country for those who can afford them.
Mugisha Jacques, Executive Director of the Rwandan Union of the Blind (RUB), stated that they are working with government agencies to make white canes more accessible.
“We are advocating with the Ministry of Health and the Rwanda Social Security Board to include white canes in essential medical imports and distribute them to district pharmacies so they can reach everyone in need,” he said. Mugisha added that there is hope this will be resolved, noting that imported canes are already exempted from taxes due to RUB’s advocacy, and the same approach could be used to increase availability.
During the International White Cane Day event, 300 white canes were donated by sponsors to visually impaired people. Currently, a standard white cane costs around $40 (over 56,000 Rwandan Francs), and access remains a major challenge.
In Rwanda, International White Cane Day was celebrated for the 17th time, under the theme “We See Beyond Sight.” The white cane, first introduced in 1921, is recognized as a symbol for visually impaired people to alert others to their presence and ensure their safety in public spaces.
