By Rosa Kemirembe
Imagine this: You’re a parent, filled with hope and excitement, registering your child for school just like any other parent. Your child has special needs, but you believe in their potential. You’ve heard about inclusive education, and you’re optimistic that this school will welcome them with open arms. A few weeks in, you’re called into the principal’s office. The words hit you like a ton of bricks: “We can’t support your child. They’ll have to leave.”
How would you feel? Heartbroken? Angry? Helpless?
For far too many parents and children with special needs, this is not just a hypothetical situation—it’s a painful reality. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
The Reality of Special Needs Education in Uganda
Did you know that in Uganda, approximately 16% of students have disabilities? Yet, only 1.6% are enrolled in pre-primary, 2% in primary, and an alarming 0.6% in secondary schools. Most of these students end up in vocational schools—not necessarily because that’s their choice, but because the education system fails to provide the support they need to thrive in mainstream schools.
The truth is, students with disabilities—whether visible or invisible—are just as capable of achieving greatness. With the right accommodations, resources, and support, many go on to complete secondary school and even pursue higher education. The challenge isn’t their ability; the challenge lies in our awareness, our structures, and our commitment to truly inclusive education.
The Right to Learn: More Than Just a Policy
According to the World Health Organization and international human rights standards, every child has the right to learn, including children with special needs. But how can they learn when schools remain inaccessible? When teachers lack the training to support diverse learners? When there’s no dedicated budget for inclusive education?
The solution is clear: accommodations can be made. Schools can be designed to be accessible.
Teachers can be trained. But none of this will happen unless we raise awareness and make inclusive
education a priority. It starts with us demanding better for these students.
Breaking the Cycle of Hopelessness
Too many parents have lost hope. They have been told—time and time again—that their child “cannot be supported,” to the point where they stop trying to enroll them in school. This is not a failure on their part. It is a failure of our system, our policies, and our collective responsibility as a society.
We must raise awareness, not just for the students but for their families, too. We must empower them to believe in their child’s limitless potential, given the right support.
A Call for Action: Investment in Inclusive Education
The government has a crucial role to play. Currently, special needs education accounts for less than 0.5% of the national education budget. This is unacceptable. We need significant investment in teacher training, accessible infrastructure, and a dedicated budget for inclusive education. Policies must prioritize students with special needs across all levels of education. Increasing the special education budget to at least 15% would bring Uganda in line with other Sub-Saharan African nations and ensure that every child has access to quality education.
What Can We Do?
● Raise Our Expectations – Having a disability does not mean a child lacks intelligence or capability. It simply means they need a different kind of support to thrive.
● Advocate for Change – Talk to your schools, your communities, and your leaders. Demand better resources, improved teacher training, and more inclusive policies.
● Spread Awareness – Share information. Engage with organizations that support inclusive education. mpower parents and educators with knowledge and resources.
Together, we can create a world where every learner truly counts.
Join the Movement
Thank you for reading Every Learner Counts. If this message resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Let’s work together to make inclusive education a reality for all.
The writer; Rosa Kemirembe is the Founder & Facilitator, Teaching For Success | www.teachingforsuccess.ca | info.teachingforsuccess@gmail.com
Rosa Kemirembe isn’t just shaping classrooms—she’s reshaping the future of education in Uganda. As the driving force behind Teaching For Success, she is not only training teachers but transforming mindsets. Her mission? To bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring every child gets the support they deserve. Through hands-on workshops and expert coaching for parents and educators, Rosa is turning challenges into opportunities.
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