Masindi District education authorities have raised concerns over parents and guardians preventing children with disabilities from accessing education, citing it as a major obstacle to their social development, learning, and independence.
Speaking at the closure of a three-day conference on promoting inclusive education at Kabalega Resort Hotel, acting District Education Officer Monica Kiiza urged parents to allow children with disabilities to attend school.
She noted that while many parents act out of love and concern for their children’s safety, excessive protection denies them opportunities to learn, socialize, and build self-confidence.
“The enrollment of children with disabilities remains significantly lower than other learners. Inclusion begins at home, and every child has a right to education,” Kiiza said. She called on local leaders, teachers, and parents to work together to identify and enroll children with disabilities.
Kiiza also appealed to development partners to support the Masindi Centre for the Handicapped, which faces challenges including a shortage of teachers, dilapidated infrastructure, and inadequate learning materials.
Milton Atugonza Isaac, Chairperson of the District Council for Disabilities, emphasized the need for government action to improve accessibility in schools, including ramps, learning materials in Braille, and trained special needs teachers in public primary schools.
Bishop Charles Bagonza, Overseer of the Pentecostal Churches of Uganda, highlighted renewed stakeholder commitment to fighting stigma and promoting inclusive education.
Following the conference, International Aid Services Denmark will implement a three-year, shs 800 million project at Kamurasi Demonstration Primary School, aimed at rehabilitating facilities such as the dormitory, kitchen, and dining hall to enhance access for children with disabilities.
The conference brought together government officials, civil society representatives, and disability rights advocates, all focused on strengthening awareness and advancing inclusive education in Masindi District.
