Uganda joined the global community on December 3^rd, 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)