I was pursuing a diploma course in Procurement and Logistics management at an Institution in Gulu, Uganda in 2014. Under the care of a single mother, my dream was to study hard, get a job, and relieve her of part of the financial burden she faces daily.

However in 2014, I started losing hope, when an eye infection blurred my vision. While walking around during day, I could feel like I was going to fall in a pit. At night, I could see an illuminated horizon, but beside me, was darkness.

The numerous visits to the eye clinic at the government hospital did not improve my condition. I became disheartened, when each of the three specialists I consulted gave a different diagnosis.

All the tablets and eye drops prescribed did not help. By the end of 2015, I completely lost my sight, and was plunged into total darkness.

It took time for my family members to believe that I had lost my sight. At table, I would spill food when serving. My only sister thought I was becoming a mean brother, who wanted to bother her with more chores. When it was time for going to the garden and I said I could not do it, my mother assumed that I was growing into a lazy and heartless adult.

It only dawned on my family that I had indeed become blind, when I started groping constantly as I walked about during day time.

I had to drop out of school, because the institution I was studying in is not blind-inclusive. Even then, I needed to acclimatize to my new, dark world. I also had to give up my volunteer job at Watoto, where I used to earn some money for buying basics and supplementing my tuition fees. Mobility was a nightmare, as I continuously bumped into walls, plunged into muddy water, lost my way home and around the neighborhood, and fell in trenches.

The fact that my eyes are exposed, make many think I can see. Thus, when I ask for directions, I am taken for a joker, especially when my destination is only a stone’s throw away. Those who knew me before think I had become obnoxious and egocentric; when I pass by without saying hello. Many friends have also abandoned me, because I constantly ask for directions, and they feel I slow them down. But I cannot stop asking questions because there are many buildings being constructed, and roads opened. I need to be told of such developments, so that I know which direction to take.

I am grateful for the white cane given to me by Oysters & Pearls-Uganda. It has eased my movement. But many see it as something befitting only of the old. Others tell me that some people were born blind, but walk without the help of a white cane. But I think it feels different when you are born blind; because you have that inherent sense of security of your surroundings. Besides, you can easily be assisted by people who know you were born blind.

I can’t put my white cane aside. It is a sign that I am no longer able to see. It gives me a feeling that there is life within, and around me.

The free computer training by Oysters & Pearls – UG signals a bright future for me. I am being taught how to use computer software called Job Access with Speech (JAWS), designed for the blind and visually impaired. This will help me a lot when I resume studies next year, if I get a sponsor.

As told to Caroline Ayugi by Odong Stephen

Stephen was nearly finished with Secondary School when he lost his sight and would like to return to school in 2018 in A-Level at Gulu High School Blind Annex. With his proficiency in Braille and now computer, he will be able to access the academic material. He is invited to join in the Athletic Competitions for blind in September 2017. Stephen is bright and motivated to continue his education and develop a professional career. It’s been a pleasure to have him as a student in the Makerspace. O&P-UG has distributed over 200 white canes to students and members of the community since June 2010.