General
Makerere University is making significant progress toward inclusivity
Uganda joined the global community on December 3rd, 2024, to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which promotes the rights and well-being of people with disabilities (PWDs).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023, approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide live with significant disabilities, and many of them encounter substantial barriers to accessing higher education. Statistics from the Dean of Students Office at Makerere University indicate that the number of students with disabilities has steadily increased. For the 2024/2025 academic year, the university welcomed over 100 students with disabilities.
We spoke to Sam Omukaga, a 22-year-old first-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Adult and Community Education at Makerere University. He shared his testimony on coping with a physical disability while studying there.
Sam, the second of six children, comes from Manafwa District. He completed his Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) at Hope Primary School before attending Rock High School in Tororo for his O and A levels. He attained 12 points in History, Economics, Divinity, and Entrepreneurship.
Despite attaining 12 points, Sam did not qualify for the Bachelor of Education course on Government sponsorship at Makerere University, prompting him to seek other opportunities to join the university.
“Since childhood, I have dreamed of attending Makerere University, but my parents could not afford the tuition. Therefore, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University for giving me this opportunity to study. I used to think that Makerere was only for wealthy people,” Sam said.
When Sam enrolled at Makerere University, a place he believed was meant for the wealthy, he was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome he received from his lecturers and fellow students, many of whom were older than him.
“As a student with a physical disability, I have never felt discriminated against. The university has made significant efforts to create a supportive environment for students like me. Students with disabilities enroll, study, and graduate with the same skills and qualifications as their peers,” noted Sam.
Although his condition sometimes restricts his movements, it has not impacted his social life. He actively participates in sports and entertainment, which has helped boost his confidence. In his village, he farms and teaches at a nearby primary school.
He urges all students living with disabilities to make friends with students who are not facing similar challenges because they need their help and support. He also encourages new students living with disabilities to enjoy every moment at the university.
“Some students living with disabilities tend to befriend others with disabilities, but I would advise them also to have friends without disabilities,” Sam guided.
Education plays a crucial role in determining one’s success. Therefore, Sam encourages all individuals with disabilities to study diligently.
“Being a student living with disabilities does not mean that one’s intellect is disabled. Focus on your education so that when an opportunity arises, you are prepared to seize it. Fortunately, policies in place encourage organizations to employ persons with disabilities. Read diligently, as books are a reliable source of knowledge,” Sam said.
As someone who walks on crutches, his biggest challenge is movement. He calls upon the University management to design facilities that accommodate students with different impairments, be it visual, auditory, physical, or cognitive.
What the University is doing
Under the office of the Dean of Students, Makerere University has led the implementation of strategies to create a supportive environment for students with disabilities.
According to Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, the university has a policy for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and a disability scheme.
Upon admission, students are accommodated in halls of residence featuring designated spaces for improved accessibility. Dr Kabumbuli explained that “most PWDs occupy ground floor rooms in their respective halls, which helps to reduce accessibility challenges.”
Financial Assistance
However, that is not the only support available. Dr. Kabumbuli explains that students enrolled in the disability scheme receive financial assistance to help them acquire the necessary equipment and materials for their studies. Additionally, guides and interpreters for students who require these services are paid a salary for this support.
Helpers/Interpreters/Guides allowances
The helpers and interpreters are entitled to accommodation, meals, utilities, security, and sports facilities. The Main Library offers several exclusive benefits for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
According to Elizabeth Rwabu, the Inclusion and Safeguarding Officer at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, the library features three rooms on the ground floor designated for PWDs: an equipped computer lab for users with visual impairments, a computer lab with accessible computers for PWDs, and a dedicated study room for PWDs.
Extracurricular activities are another area in which the university supports PWDs. Students participate in annual Inter-University games.
The Persons with Disabilities Act stipulates that a person in charge of a building to which the public is allowed to access shall, subject to the requirements of the law on building standards and other relevant laws, provide appropriate access for PWDs to the building. Right now, it is a University Council Policy that all new buildings must be user-friendly to students with disabilities. Most teaching facilities have ramps, lifts, and special access areas to improve accessibility for wheelchair users.
A winding ramp runs alongside the entire Frank Kalimuzo and Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facilities. Some parts of Mary Stuart Hall, the Arts/CHUSS Building and old buildings like the Department of Chemistry have recently been fitted with ramps.
To ensure that laws safeguarding the rights of students and staff living with disabilities are fully implemented, the University set up a disability centre that serves as a one-stop facility for students with disabilities to access the necessary learning equipment, counsellors, and support.
Leadership
Students with disabilities participate in leadership at the hall, college and guild house levels.
Nature of disability
The following are some of the types of disabilities that are considered in the selection of applicants with disabilities for undergraduate courses at Makerere University
(a) Severe visual impairment
(b) Low Vision
(c) Severe Hearing impairment
(d) Hard of hearing
(e) Mobility appliances
(f) Physical Disability
(g) Albinism
(h) Chronic medical problems (sickle cell, Epilepsy, Asthma etc)
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
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