Mbarara University of Science and Technology recently hosted a high-level delegation from Friends of Hope (KFHI), marking a significant milestone in the university’s mission to foster an inclusive academic and working environment. The visit centered on forging a strategic partnership to enhance support systems for both staff and students with impairments.
The engagement began with a warm welcome from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, who shared a brief highlight of MUST’s history and thanked the KFHI team for choosing the university as a strategic partner. Under her leadership, MUST has proactively embraced its role as a champion for #PWDInclusion. Prof. Byakika-Kibwika emphasized that in this modern era of advancing technology, no one should be left behind.
The MUST Commitment to Inclusion: The Vice Chancellor highlighted several key adjustments currently being implemented at MUST to promote a truly inclusive campus:
- Infrastructure: Ongoing remodeling of campus facilities to ensure full physical accessibility.
- Financial Support: Dedicated scholarships specifically tailored for students with disabilities.
- Representation: Ensuring voices are heard in decision-making through staff and student representatives on the University Council, alongside external representatives who provide independent expertise on promoting inclusion.
- Student Engagement: Supporting the vibrant “Hands That Speak”
Prof. Byakika-Kibwika also revealed that Top Management is currently discussing the establishment of a regional Inclusion Hub. This facility would feature modern Assistive Technology (AT) to support Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the entire region.
A proven blueprint for change
Sinmyung Park, Project Manager at KFHI, detailed their transformative work across Uganda, specifically within the Kabarole, Bunyangabo, and Kasese Districts. From laying the foundations for vocational training to actively dismantling the social stigma surrounding disability, KFHI’s track record offers a hopeful blueprint for the MUST community.
Mr. Park expressed his strong belief that a partnership with MUST will create a significant impact across the country and the region. He emphasized that when persons with impairments are supported to pursue their dream programs, it does more than just build their personal confidence it fundamentally shifts the mindset of society. By proving that those with impairments are fully capable of high-level achievement, this initiative challenges existing prejudices.
Having witnessed life-changing results in the districts where KFHI operates, Park noted that collaborating with a credible institution like MUST will provide a powerful platform to amplify the potential and abilities of persons with impairments.
From Policy to Action
“Our inclusion journey since 2019 has been transformative,” noted Stella Dusabe, Coordinator of PWDs and Council Representative. She emphasized that the MUST PWD & Special Needs Policy has moved beyond paper, proving that Policy + Implementation = Real Change. During the meeting, she shared vital statistics regarding the growing number of students and staff living with impairments at the university.
Angella Nakato Muyingo, the Focal Person for PWDs at MUST, echoed these sentiments. She highlighted existing partnerships with national bodies and shared insights from a recent seminar on inclusion in higher education. This data will be instrumental as both teams collaborate to develop the proposed Inclusion Hub. Angella also noted a persistent challenge: many students find it difficult to disclose “invisible” impairments. However, she expressed confidence that with the support of KFHI, students will feel more encouraged to open up and tap into available opportunities.
The digital frontier
A highlight of the visit was the focus on technology. Dr. Evarist Nabaasa (Former Dean, Faculty of Computing and Informatics) and Mr. Amos Baryashaba (Principal IT Officer) presented cutting-edge concepts for Assistive Technologies. By integrating the latest tech, MUST aims to ensure that global innovation serves as a bridge, rather than a barrier, for the PWD community. The partnership reinforces the university’s core values: “In the pursuit of excellence, we believe that diversity is our greatest strength and accessibility is our fundamental duty. True success is not measured solely by individual achievement, but by our collective ability to ensure that no mind is sidelined and no talent is untapped. At MUST, we don’t just accommodate we empower; because to truly succeed, we MUST include.” By aligning with global experts like KFHI, MUST is ensuring that “Succeeding” remains an inclusive verb, encompassing every member of the university community regardless of physical or sensory impairment.
