education 2 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Challenges Facing Students with Disabilities at Kyambogo University
Out of 173 students with special needs at Kyambogo University, 82 face a grim academic outlook due to a critical lack of support staff like sign language interpreters, guides, and note-takers. The institution struggles with limited resources, leaving most private-sponsored students without essential aids and assistive devices. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/the-plight-of-special-needs-students-at-kyambogo-university-5444866
Kyambogo University is grappling with significant hurdles in supporting its 173 students with disabilities enrolled this academic year. These students, spread across all academic units, represent various disability categories in Uganda.
Dr. Paul Emong, head of the Kyambogo Disability Support Service, highlighted the issue during the Annual 2026 KCB Bank Kyambogo Ultra Run. He noted that 82 of these students lack vital assistance, including Ugandan sign language interpreters, sighted guides, mobility support assistants, note-takers, and transcribers.
Only government-sponsored students receive any support, putting private-sponsored peers at a severe disadvantage in teaching, learning, exams, and campus activities. The university also faces shortages of wheelchairs, crutches, white canes, and other assistive devices due to limited funding.
The university employs 14 staff with disabilities. KCB Bank Uganda, through its head of Marketing and Communications, Ms. Noela Byuma, is leveraging the annual run to raise funds aimed at alleviating these challenges for special needs students.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)