Government To Develop Inclusive Education Policy for Students with Disabilities

The Minister of State for Higher Education, John Chrysestom Muyingo, has announced that the Government is working on a policy for inclusive education to specifically address the needs of students with disabilities.

Minister Muyingo shared these remarks while representing the First Lady and Minister of Education, Janet Kataha Museveni, at the inaugural East African Conference on Disability Inclusive Higher Education held at Kyambogo University on Wednesday.

“The Government is developing a policy to address the needs of students living with disabilities, which is currently before the cabinet and will soon be approved,” he stated.

Minister Muyingo highlighted that, through affirmative action, the Government has been able to secure scholarships for over 14,000 students with disabilities. He further noted that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Government adopted the white paper that emphasizes special education for students with disabilities.

“I am committed to being your advocate in this cause to ensure that students with disabilities enjoy the same privileges and rights as other students in the education sector,” he added.

Professor Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya, Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, revealed that the university currently supports a population of 241 students with disabilities, who are enrolled in various faculties.

“Kyambogo University provides interpreters for students with disabilities to facilitate their studies. Additionally, the university has established a disability policy and a dedicated disability resource center to address the challenges these students face,” he said.

Professor Katunguka also mentioned the university’s efforts to promote the use of sign language, including the development of a sign language dictionary.

Mr. Edison Ngirabakunzi, Country Director of the Norwegian Association on Disabled (NAD), expressed his organization’s strong commitment to supporting Kyambogo University in acquiring the necessary facilities and infrastructure to ensure students with disabilities can access education without obstacles.

“NAD is actively engaged in supporting teacher training for students with disabilities at Kyambogo University. We believe in the full participation of persons with disabilities across all sectors, as we see this approach as more sustainable,” he emphasized.