KAMPALA, Uganda: Makerere University has joined the global community in marking the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), reaffirming its commitment to amplifying and protecting the voices of persons with disabilities.
The commemoration took place on 2nd December 2025 during a vibrant dialogue held in the university’s Main Hall, bringing together more than 500 distinguished participants. These included representatives from civil society organisations advocating for disability rights, members of academia, PWD students and alumni, as well as media practitioners.
The Minister of State for Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, who presided over the event, presented key updates from cabinet discussions relevant to her ministry. She revealed that government is currently consulting a range of ministries, among them Education, Health, Gender, Labour and Social Development, and Internal Affairs on the proposed Disability Blueprint, a comprehensive document intended to address longstanding challenges in the disability sector.
She explained that the blueprint emphasises reforms in education, health and social services, all aimed at standardising inclusion practices across the country.
Hon. Asamo further noted that government plans to revise education funding by increasing the unit cost per pupil under UPE to cater for assistive devices and to strengthen learning environments for children with disabilities. She added that ongoing efforts to standardise the national sign language policy involve key stakeholders such as UNICEF, the National Curriculum Development Centre, and the Ministries of Gender, Education, Public Service and Finance.
According to the Minister, government is also moving to address the rise of unqualified sign language interpreters particularly on television whose inaccuracies mislead the public. She expressed confidence that the forthcoming policy will introduce compulsory sign language training for all government workers to promote effective communication and uphold inclusion within official structures.
In her remarks, Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Sarah Ssali affirmed Makerere University’s leadership in advancing disability inclusion, noting that the institution continues to provide strategic infrastructure and supportive spaces for PWD students. She commended disability rights advocates within the university and beyond for their relentless efforts in pushing for improved services and accessible environments. This year’s celebration was held under the theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
Delivering the keynote address, Equal Opportunities Commission Chairperson Hajjati Safia Nalule Jjuko shared her personal journey as a person with a disability, highlighting the resilience required to secure recognition and respect. She encouraged fellow PWDs to remain steadfast and assertive in advocating for better spaces and opportunities. She also applauded Makerere University’s leadership for consistently supporting inclusive policies and embracing diversity at all levels.
Several speakers urged government to ensure that persons with disabilities are not marginalised but instead granted equal opportunities and responsibilities to contribute to national development. Among the testimonies was a moving presentation by Bbosa Kizito and his wife Teddy, founders of the Centre for Visually Impaired Children (CEVIC) in Buwama, Mpigi District. The couple recounted their challenging experience raising two children with disabilities. After spending significant resources seeking treatment abroad for their first child without success, they later welcomed a second child, also with a disability an experience that further tested their resilience. They explained that enrolling their children in school transformed their lives, inspiring them to establish CEVIC, which now offers education to more than 90 vulnerable children.
Their story was warmly acknowledged by the Minister and other participants, who praised the couple’s determination and emphasised the importance of their example as a lifelong lesson in compassion and dedication to supporting children with disabilities.
