The Ministry of Education has pledged to increase support towards the enhancement of inclusive education for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)
The plans were revealed during a stakeholders’ engagement at Onomo Hotel in Kampala last week by Ms Ketty Lamaro, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Education.
This dialogue was organised by the Ugandan alumni of the British government’s Chevening scholarship.
“We know the burden that we have as government and the ministry is working in the same direction. We already have a budget and a framework paper to help us achieve this together and we thank the Chevening scholarship alumni for supporting this cause,” she said.
Ms Lamaro, however, withheld details of the extent of support or figures in the budget to prove the support the ministry has towards inclusive education.
The Uganda alumni of British government’s Chevening scholarship launched a campaign for accelerated inclusive education, specifying affirmative action to increase access to quality education for youthful PWDs, two weeks ago.
The drive includes the alumni building synergies and collaborations with civil society organisations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to secure commitments for a signed ‘call to action’.
The Assistant Commissioner-in-charge of Children with Disability at the Education Ministry, Ms Annet Baitwabusa, revealed during the event, that the government is finalising plans to revive assessment centres in all districts to improve inclusive education.
As revealed by the Ministry of Education, the country has 45 assessment centres. Out of all these, only one in Nakivubo, Kampala is operational.
Ms Hellen Kaweesa, the chairperson Chevening Alumni Association in Uganda (CAAU), highlighted the need for structures in schools.
“We have had many issues including placing ramps on the entrances to classrooms, special needs teachers and so many other things. We hope the government can expedite the process of delivering the same,” Ms Kaweesa said.
However, Ms Baitwabusa said the ministry is doing its best and it might take a while to be achieved.