While speaking to the media after the visit, Aniyuka emphasized that the country is increasingly focusing on vocational education as a vital path to development and addressing the challenge of limited job opportunities.
As Uganda joined the global community in celebrating the International Day of People with Disabilities on December 3, 2024, vocational institutions were urged to admit children with disabilities.
The call was made by Kambaho Narasi Aniyuka, the Communications Officer of the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB), during a visit to several vocational schools in the Bugisu region to assess the ongoing UBTEB examinations.
Aniyuka, leading a team of UBTEB officers, toured institutions such as Elgon Technical School in Mbale City, Mbale School of the Deaf in Mbale District, and Mbale Polytechnic School in Mbale City, among others. The purpose of the visit was to evaluate the number of students sitting for the national examinations in 2024.
While speaking to the media after the visit, Aniyuka emphasized that the country is increasingly focusing on vocational education as a vital path to development and addressing the challenge of limited job opportunities. He also highlighted that many vocational institutions have not yet fully considered the inclusion of children with disabilities, despite their ability to perform just as well as other students.
Aniyuka pointed out that the government has converted part of the Mbale School of the Deaf into a vocational training center, aiming to provide opportunities for both children with disabilities and other learners.
//Cue in: “As a board, we…”
Cue out: “…they are given.”//
Paulo Otaboi, the Deputy Head Teacher in charge of the vocational section at Mbale School of the Deaf, shared concerns about the low enrollment of children with disabilities in vocational programs, despite the government’s investment in equipment for the courses.
He noted that some parents still view children with disabilities as burdens and often consider technical education unsuitable for such children. Otaboi called on the media to help raise awareness in the community about the importance of enrolling all children in school, including those with disabilities, and the value of vocational courses for their development.
The theme for the International Day of People with Disabilities was “The Role of Innovations in Disability Inclusion.” The national celebrations were held in Kumi District.
Weswa Ronnie
Freelancer