About the Founder
Amani Grace Ngemba
Amani Grace Ngemba, founder of Defenders of Blind Rights in Africa (D-BRAF), has lived the challenges of vision loss firsthand. Born in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, he was misdiagnosed with myopia as a child. In 2003, civil war forced his family to flee to Kampala, Uganda.
At Mengo Hospital, doctors correctly diagnosed him with glaucoma and placed him on ORBIS International’s exclusive surgical waitlist a list open to only a few hundred patients each year due to the severity of their conditions. Waiting for the surgery was an anxious time, filled with uncertainty about what the future held for his vision.​
​Determined not to let his experience limit him, Amani founded D-BRAF to ensure others facing vision loss would not be left without options due to war, poverty, or lack of access to care. Today, the organization empowers visually impaired people through education, rehabilitation, advocacy, and support, while also raising awareness about prevention and accessibility.
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Amani’s journey, from misdiagnosis and displacement to resilience and advocacy, continues to inspire D-BRAF’s mission: defending the rights of the blind and creating a world where sight is protected, dignity is honored, and opportunities are accessible to all.
Our Vision
To create a world where visually impaired individuals have equal opportunities, access to quality resources, and full inclusion in society.
Our Mission
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To promote education and rehabilitation for the visually impaired.
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To advocate for the rights and inclusion of blind individuals.
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To provide essential resources that enhance the quality of life for the blind.
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To raise awareness about blindness prevention and accessibility.
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To inspire hope by sharing the gospel and offering spiritual support.
Our Core Objectives
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Promote education, training, and vocational skills for the blind.
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Establish rehabilitation programs to support visually impaired individuals.
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Partner with governmental and non-governmental organizations to improve conditions for the blind.
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Provide assistive technologies and ensure accessibility for blind individuals.
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Advocate for equal rights, employment, and social inclusion.
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Raise funds to sustain our mission and expand our impact.