Category Education

2Dec
By Enock Ndyamuhakyi 0 Comments
CSOs Advocate for Improved Access to Education for Children with Disabilities

MASAKA,(UG)-Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) caring for persons with disabilities (PWDs) have decried inadequate funding, saying it has affected the implementation of an inclusive education policy in the country.

According to the CSOs, the lack of assistive devices such as braille, large print, tactile books, and audiobooks has excluded many children from school.

Edward Otim, the programmes manager at Sense International Uganda, in a recent interview with our reporter, said only five out of nine districts in the greater Masaka sub-region have recruited education officers with special needs, and yet inclusive education for PWDs cannot be realized without grassroot implementers and supervisors. Similarly, Richard Musisi, the Executive Director of the Association of People with Disabilities Living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda (APHA-Uganda), said out of the 2.5 million children living with disabilities in the country, only 250,000 have access to education.

Musisi urged the government to make study materials for the group available as well as resources to facilitate the implementation of the inclusive education policy. The National Council for Disability identifies multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, blindness, visual impairment, dystrophy, and deafness as the most common disabilities among learners. According to the organisation, many schools cannot manage such disabilities due to a lack of resources.

The Ministry of Education’s commissioner for special needs and inclusive education, Sarah Bugosi Kiboli, said nationwide efforts are being made to hire education officers with knowledge about special needs to facilitate the smooth implementation of the policy.

1Dec
By Enock Ndyamuhakyi 0 Comments
Tragic Loss: Makerere University Mourns the Passing of First-Year Education Student

KAMPALA,(UG)-Makerere University was yesterday gripped in shock after a student from the College of Education and External Studies was found dead in her room at one of the university halls of residence.

Patricia Ochola Erik, from Otuke District, was a first year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with Education, and awaiting to sit for her end of second semester exams that commence next week.

While sources that preferred anonymity in order to speak freely said the late Ochola was found dead in her room at Africa Hall, the university management gave a conflicting account when they told our reporter last evening that she died on arrival at the university hospital.

The anonymous sources added that her roommates also learned about it in the morning after they had tried to wake her up in vain.Ochola had epilepsy, a condition that her relatives think could have claimed her life. The university now awaits a postmortem report from Mulago National Referral Hospital to ascertain the cause of her death.

The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, and Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, condoled with the bereaved family, describing Ochola as an industrious student and very active at her college where she was the coordinator of her literature class.

1Dec
By Enock Ndyamuhakyi 0 Comments
Rukungiri Primary Teachers’ College Celebrates Approval for University Transition by Kabale University

RUKUNGIRI –The former Rukungiri Primary Teachers’ College is to be transitioned into Kabale University Rukungiri Campus following the agreement between the stakeholders.

This came as a result of the government’s policy to phase out the core PTCs/Grade III and IV qualifications in favour of the bachelor’s degree.

As part of the transition process, the handover was guided by the Ministry of Education and Sports, and witnessed by all stakeholders (Foundation body, Kabale University Administration (Vice Chancellor and staff), the RPTC Board of governors, and staff, the Rukungiri RDC, Local government), among others.

The Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe Bishop of North Kigezi clarified the terms of the partnership, stressing that, north kigezi diocese is only transitioning to a greater thing, from a PTC to a University, which will come with better opportunities for development but not giving a way Church land/Property to Kabale University.

He also cautioned the Kabale University leadership to uphold and adhere to the Christian values of the Church of Uganda, for better collaboration, among others.The Chairman Board of Governors RPTC Canon Sabiiti Mahirane appreciated the Ministry of Education and Sports for accepting their proposal of transitioning into a university, the great support and guidance rendered during the transition process.

Rukungiri Primary Teachers’ College started in 1980 as a TTC in Nyakaina, under the foundation of the Church of Uganda.

30Nov
By Enock Ndyamuhakyi 0 Comments
Sense International Uganda and MTN Uganda Unveil Shs200 Million ICT Hub for Visually Impaired Students

KABALE –Sense International Uganda in partnership with MTN Uganda has today commissioned an ICT HUB at Hornby High School Junior to support the visually impaired and deaf pupils worth Shs200 million.

The Very Rev Can Obed Turihohabwe, the St. Peter’s Cathedral Rugarama Dean who represented the Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, Rt Rev Gaddie Akanjuna as Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, Rt Rev Gaddie Akanjuna, applauded the two organizations for committing to support Hornby High School Junior physically impaired learners like the deaf and the blind access modern technology, an initiative he said will simplify the work of both the pupils and their teachers.

Can Turihohabwe called upon other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to always give back to society through service delivery*.Edward Otim the Country Director for Sense International Uganda stated that their major focus is enabling the inclusivity of disabled learners with digital computer literacy trends while Fazil Damulira, the MTN Uganda Regional Business Manager, revealed that the initiative aligns with the company’s 2025 strategy of access to technology by every Ugandan.

The Hornby High School Junior head teacher, Geoffrey Beinomugisha, announced plans to commence computer lessons for the Upper Primary classes, while extending computer literacy training to the visually impaired learners, so that they acquire essential digital skills before transitioning to secondary education. The ICT Hub has been equipped with a projector, HD scanner, WIFI and 10 computers, 5 of them with specialized software.

13Oct
By Drake 0 Comments
Archbishop Kaziimba Stresses Equality, Calls for Robust Support for Boys in Society

MUKONO: The Most Rev Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Uganda, highlighted the significance of supporting the boy child during the 24th graduation ceremony (Part Two) at Uganda Christian University – Mukono.

While acknowledging the commendable goal of gender equality, Archbishop Kaziimba stressed the importance of ensuring that both boys and girls receive the necessary support and opportunities to thrive.

He emphasized that the well-being and success of the boy child are crucial for a balanced and prosperous society.

Archbishop Kaziimba stated, “It is crucial to remember the importance of supporting the boy child in our society. Gender equality is commendable, but we must ensure that both boys and girls receive the support they need to thrive. The well-being and success of our young men are integral to a balanced and prosperous society.”

He further noted, “Ignoring the boy child can have negative consequences. It’s important to provide equal attention and support to all children, regardless of gender, as each child has unique needs and potential.”

Addressing the potential dangers of neglecting the boy child, Archbishop Kaziimba emphasized the need for boys to learn cultural values, be equipped to confidently lead, and become responsible citizens and family leaders.

He highlighted the role of teaching boys respect for women to address gender-based violence (GBV) and societal issues.During the ceremony, a total of 986 students graduated, with 54% being female and 46% male.

Thirty-three students achieved First Class degrees, including Rev. Moses Agaba and Rev. Ambrose Kwesiga, both graduating with Masters Degrees in Theology.

Archbishop Emeritus Rt Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, the Guest of Honour, encouraged graduates to embrace servanthood, emphasizing that service is about putting others first.

He urged them to lead by example, live to serve, and avoid the pitfalls of living solely for personal gratification, linking such a mindset to the prevalence of corruption in society.

10Oct
By Drake 0 Comments
Bishop Akanjuna Stresses the Crucial Role of Christian Values in Students’ Academic Triumph

KABALE: The Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, yesterday emphasized the importance of integrating Christian values into the lives of learners for academic and personal success.

Speaking at the dedication service for P7, S4, and S6 students at Kamuganguzi Primary School and Janan Luwum Memorial School, held at St. John’s Kamuganguzi COU Archdeaconry in Kamuganguzi Sub County, Kabale District, Bishop Akanjuna urged students to embrace Christian virtues as a foundation for their future success.

He emphasized the need for strategic goal-setting, stating that commitment, motivation, and focus are essential for achieving success in life.

During the same service, Rev. Oscar Mwesigwa, the Kigezi Diocesan Education Coordinator, delivered a sermon advising learners to use their time wisely, focusing on activities that will contribute to success in upcoming exams.

Stressing the importance of hard work, meaningful relationships, perseverance, and courage, he urged students to rely on these qualities to excel academically.

Rev. Mwesigwa recommended seeking guidance from teachers and building closer relationships with them, cautioning against distractions that could divert them from their academic path.