Project improves inclusive education at Makerere, Kyambogo

__________________

A total of 180 learners and staff from the universities of Makerere and Kyambogo have benefitted from the five-year Unlocking the potential of enhanced teaching and learning with visual impairment in Uganda’s public universities: The role of assistive technologies (ATEVIL) project. Out of these, 100 are students whereas the rest are university staff.

The multi-year project was implemented by Makerere in partnership with Kyambogo, National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and Uganda National Association of the Blind (UNAB).

Funded by the Government, through the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF), the programme, according to implementers, has seen the enrolment of students with visual impairment at universities increase as a result of the country’s response to achieving inclusive education.

Speaking during the final stakeholders’ dissemination workshop held at Esella Country Hotel in Kampala on March 12, 2025, Dr Zahara Nampewo, a representative of the Grants Management Committee (GMC) of MakRIF, emphasized the significance of assistive technologies in enhancing teaching and learning for visually impaired students in Uganda’s public universities.

Dr Zahara Nampewo, lecturer, Makerere University School of Law. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision,” Nampewo quoted Helen Keller, an American author who lost her sight and hearing at a young age. ‘True vision goes beyond physical sight, and this project aims to enable visually impaired students to see with their mind.’

The project, she said, aims to promote inclusive education and enhance the learning experience of visually impaired students.

Nampewo lauded the project team on their innovative approach, which she said not only positively influences government development policies and programs but also individual lives, hopes, and dreams.

“I implore you to explore widening the results and impact of this project, to get more actionable results and widen the impact of the findings,” she said.

She noted that the project is aligned with the fourth National Development Plan 2025/6-2029/30, which she said dedicates a full chapter to human capital development.

“Human capital plays a crucial role in unlocking the full potential of individuals and societies, and thereby enhancing productivity and quality of life,” Nampewo noted.

Dr Diannah Nampijja presenting the project results- outcome & impact. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Olive Lunyolo from NCHE (2nd l) & Trevor Twimomugisha, Kyambogo University Student (r) attending the workshop. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Nampewo emphasized that disability inclusion is an important prerequisite for equitable, sustainable, and just development.

“This project does just that, by advancing access to education and promoting equity and inclusion,” she said. 

As Makerere University strengthens its role as a research-led university, Nampewo encouraged the project team to continue working towards stimulating societal transformation and remaining an important player in the economy and development of Uganda.

“Let Makerere shine and let us work together to enable those with visual impairments to see with their mind, as Helen Keller was enabled to do,” Nampewo said.

Latif Lugudo, one of the beneficiaries, praised the project which he said enabled him to navigate learning using technological assisted devices.

Rose Mary Namugenyi, a teacher at Stella Maris Nsube is one of the beneficiary of MAKRIF ATEVIL project. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Paul Kakooza, 4th year social work student at Makerere University. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

“We received trainings on using software such as job access with speech, talk bag, among others,” Lugudo said.

Lugudo graduated from Kyambogo University and is currently working at Heifer International as an inclusion facilitator.

Dr Leah Sikoyo, Principal Investigator, Makerere University. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Dr Leah Sikoyo, a lecturer at Makerere University, commended the Government for having supported visually impaired learners to achieve their dreams, noting that as the five-year project comes to a close, much assistance shall be received from the institution’s Disability Unit that was recently launched.