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Triumph over adversity: A journey of resilience, advocacy, and empowerment

Ms Marie Patricia Natakwa

What you need to know:

  • Her journey has been marked by significant challenges, particularly in her education and social life.

Ms Marie Patricia Natakwa, an associate in the editorial department at the National Media Group-Uganda, is a beacon of optimism and composure. Despite being visually impaired due to severe keratoconus, a condition marked by the abnormal protrusion of the cornea, causing low and blurry vision, she embraces life with determination and a belief in the limitless potential for persons with disabilities.

“I want to take a moment to emphasise a crucial message: disability is not synonymous with inability,” Natakwa declares with conviction.

Her journey has been marked by significant challenges, particularly in her education and social life.

“School was particularly challenging, especially in subjects that relied on visual input, like the sciences,” she recounts. This difficulty led her to transition to a specialised school for students with visual impairments, where she persevered despite limited resources. Her dedication and resilience paved the way for success in academics, eventually leading her to law school.

While pursuing her law degree, Natakwa embraced leadership roles. She represented various student organisations, including the Law Society, and later served as the guild representative for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). She also actively sought volunteer opportunities, which opened doors to meaningful engagements.

“I continued applying for various programmes and networking opportunities, resulting in engagements with organisations such as the MasterCard Foundation, Light for the World, and Reach a Hand Uganda,” she explains. These organisations offered intensive training programs aimed at empowering persons with disabilities. “The training required dedication and commitment, teaching me the importance of consistent effort,” she adds.

Her proactive approach and perseverance eventually led to her current position at NMG-U, where she navigates her work with humility and teamwork. Speaking on how she manages tasks requiring visual sharpness, Natakwa shares, “I rely on my colleagues’ guidance and assistance, and I prioritise thorough research to ensure I am prepared for my tasks. I approach my work with the mindset of continuously learning, making it a point to absorb new information daily.”

To those living with visual impairments, she offers reassurance and hope: “I want to reassure you, your time will come. The path may not be easy at present, but there are people in the community who are willing to support you on your journey.”

Natakwa also calls on society to foster acceptance and empathy. “Avoid judgment, as individuals with disabilities did not choose their circumstances. We are all trying to navigate life, and the best way forward is to treat one another with dignity, respect, and equality. Your abilities and potential are not diminished by your disabilities,” she emphasises.

Through her resilience, advocacy, and commitment to fostering understanding, Natakwa exemplifies the power of perseverance and the importance of creating an inclusive society.