Earlier today, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), in collaboration with the 38th Guild Ministry for Disability Affairs and the MUST PWDs Association, hosted a transformative training session titled: “Training of Caregivers for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).”
The training, hosted and moderated by Ms. Stella Dusabe Byarugaba, the Senior Warden of MUST, aimed to equip top management, administrators, and community leaders with essential knowledge of disability laws and policy guidelines.
The primary goal was to empower those who interact with Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) at the university with a deep understanding of special needs policy guidelines within the Ugandan jurisdiction, fostering a more inclusive environment for all.
A call for student well-being
The session commenced with a heartfelt address from the Deputy Dean of Students, Maureen Kahima. She expressed her appreciation for the diverse group of attendees, emphasizing that such training is vital for the holistic well-being of the student body.
“The number of students with disabilities at MUST has increased significantly,” Ms. Kahima noted. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our support systems evolve to meet their needs and ensure they thrive within our community.”
Legal and Policy frameworks
The university’s Principal Legal Officer, Timothy Mugumya Ndiana, Esq., provided a comprehensive overview of the Disability and Special Needs Policy and the guiding principles specific to Mbarara University. His presentation focused on the legal obligations of administrators to ensure that policy is not just a document, but a lived reality on campus.
Adding a broader perspective, Counsel Allan Musasire of Katembeko Advocates delivered a technical presentation on disability laws and their applicability in higher institutions of learning. He challenged the leadership to view inclusion as a legal mandate that strengthens the academic integrity of the institution.
Addressing the reality of caregiving
A highlight of the day was an interactive panel discussion focused on the practical challenges faced when caregiving for PWDs. The panel featured a diverse range of perspectives:
- Agnes Ampaire: Senior Legal Officer.
- Sister Consolate: Providing a perspective on compassionate care.
- Richard Bogere: Representing the OURS- Ruharo Mission Hospital
- Conrad Twinomugisha: The newly elected Guild President, representing the voice of the student leadership.
The panelists discussed the systemic hurdles, emotional demands, and the need for improved physical infrastructure to better support caregivers and PWDs alike.
Moving toward action
In his closing remarks, the Dean of Students, Mr. Ambrose Mugisha, thanked the organizers and participants for their commitment to social justice. He urged the administrators to move beyond theory and implement the inclusive strategies discussed throughout the day.
“Our mission is to create a MUST that is accessible to everyone,” Mr. Mugisha concluded. “Today marks a significant step toward making our university a beacon of inclusivity in Uganda.”
The event underscored MUST’s dedication to the 38th Guild’s vision of an equitable campus, ensuring that every member of the university community, regardless of ability, has the support they need to succeed.
