ABSTRACT
This chapter initially looks at the professionalisation of sign language interpreters in Global North contexts. It then looks at the history of sign language interpretation within Uganda. There is some description of the 1980s and 1990s within East Africa and the influences of North–South partnerships in the piecemeal training of Ugandan sign language interpreters (UgSLI). There is then and description of the establishment of the first (and only) university-level diploma programme in Sub-Saharan Africa. Findings for a research study, reviewing the effectiveness of the 19-year-old diploma programme, are discussed. The participants are both deaf professionals and professional UgSLI. They identify the needs for higher-level training at the BA and MA level and changes that are required to ensure the interpreter programme remains fit for purpose. We conclude by summarising the developments and considering other requirements for greater professionalisation in Uganda with the hope for fruitful bilateral and multilateral partnerships that include North–South and South–South collaboration.
