The Ugandan actor shares how her hearing loss shaped a journey into the arts and a life of advocating for disability inclusion.
“I want people to understand the desire to be heard.”
When Doreck Ankunda walks into a room, people notice—not because she demands attention, but because she carries herself with quiet confidence and grace.
At 29 years old, the Ugandan actress, disability advocate, and leader has already accomplished more than many do in a lifetime. From winning awards at international film festivals to anchoring news in sign language on Ugandan television, Doreck’s journey is a powerful example of what it means to live with purpose, no matter the challenges.
Born with full hearing, Doreck began to lose her ability to hear at the age of seven. “I felt like I wouldn’t be able to speak anymore. I could hear noise, but not sound,” she recalls. “People would talk to me, but I couldn’t respond. I didn’t understand what was happening.
Her parents, worried and confused, searched for answers. At first, they couldn’t accept the diagnosis. They said, ‘This can’t be. Our child can’t be deaf. This is a curse.’
They tried everything—prayers, remedies, doctors,” says Doreck.
Eventually, a neighbour suggested they enrol her in a school for the deaf. It was a turning point. At first, sign language felt unfamiliar and confusing, but soon, it opened a new world of connection and learning. “I didn’t know I had a challenge. I thought I was like everyone else. But in that school, I began to understand my identity.”
Doreck continued her studies in an inclusive environment through high school and later pursued higher education.
Her roles are many: Disability Inclusion Facilitator at Light for the World, team leader at Ripples of Resilience Uganda, and member of the Uganda Country Advisory Group for the International Center for Research on Women.
In each of these spaces, Doreck uses her voice—both literally and figuratively—to push for inclusion and opportunity for persons with disabilities.
I want people to understand the desire to be heard. We all want to express ourselves freely,” she says. “That’s only possible when communication is accessible. Whether it’s captions, interpreters, or sign language, everyone deserves a way to be part of the conversation.
Despite the growth in assistive technologies, Doreck often prefers the clarity and trust she finds in sign language interpretation. “I feel most comfortable with an interpreter. Technology helps sometimes—like captions during meetings—but it can be hard to follow, especially when the language is complex,” she explains. “A professional interpreter who understands confidentiality and context makes a huge difference.”
Doreck’s passion for performance began early, and it remains a source of joy for her today. She is best known for her lead role in the film When You Become Me, which received recognition at the Bayelsa and Kaduna International Film Festivals. Acting, along with gospel music, is how she expresses herself creatively. “I love gospel music. Travis Greene and Don Moen are my favourites,” she says with a smile.
Through the creative arts, she believes powerful messages can reach broad audiences—and that’s exactly what she hopes to do. “My dream in the next five years is to take up more space as an actress. I want to be in big, influential movies that sell out globally. I want to use film to spread the message of inclusion.” In many African countries, Doreck notes, inclusion in the film industry is still limited. “There are still challenges. But I want to be an ambassador through the arts—to show that talent exists in all of us, no matter our abilities.
Her work with Ripple of Resilience Uganda also helps to create awareness among parents of children with disabilities.
“Some parents don’t understand the power they hold in shaping their child’s future. If you treat your child as less, they may believe they are less. But if you support them, they can do anything.”
She remembers her journey—how isolation slowly gave way to community, how misunderstanding turned into acceptance, and how she found her strength not by hiding her identity but by embracing it. “I used to feel like I was alone. But when I saw others like me, I knew I wasn’t.”
Doreck’s story is not just about hearing loss. It’s about finding your voice in a world that doesn’t always listen. It’s about courage, creativity, and community. And most of all, it’s about showing others—especially young people with disabilities—that they belong, they matter, and their stories deserve to be heard.
Doreck Ankunda lives in Uganda and works across education, film, advocacy, and media to build more inclusive societies. She continues to inspire others through her work, her story, and her belief in the power of representation.
Kuvakala Thina
Amplifying voices, driving inclusion for impact and showcasing youth leadership who are shaping inclusive and sustainable futures.
