The protection and promotion of disabled children’s right to education in Rubanda County, Kabale District, Uganda: challenges and missing links

Abstract

Disability is a human rights issue in Uganda that has been neglected for long. Disability is viewed negatively in Uganda and disabled people are denied life opportunities like education. They miss out on education despite the government’s efforts to provide education to all children in Uganda. The main objectives o this study include identifying the challenges faced by disabled children, parents and the government in providing education for the disabled children in Rubanda. The study aims at identifying reasons why CWDs in Rubanda are not benefiting from the available educational opportunities. More importantly, my main objective was finding solutions to the challenges those parents, disabled children and the government face in realization of the right to education of disabled children. Since my study is a social science, I used the qualitative method of research, content analysis and wider literature review. I also used quantitative techniques of data presentation. Other methods of data collection included observation, interviewing and focused group discussion. The study found out that disabled children in Rubanda are not benefiting from the existing education programmes and face a lot of challenges which exclude them from attending school. It has also been found out that culture i.e cultural stereotypes for that matter is the root cause of all problems that CWDs face in society and at school and which prevents them from accessing education. It is also important to note that the socio-cultural, economic and geographical/ physical environments create barriers that prevent CWDs from attending school. I therefore recommend that the above challenges should be solved by a bottom – top approach and a rural based strategy is the only way forward. Since social barriers caused by cultural stereotypes is the underlying cause of challenges by CWDs in society, there is need to alter the social environment. This can be done through community sensitization and awareness raising. This will help to end discrimination and exclusion that CWDs face in society and at school.