national 11 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda to Boost Disability Data System to Tackle High School Dropouts
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development is fast-tracking the creation of a national disability data system. This initiative aims to address the significantly high school dropout rates among learners with disabilities and improve service delivery. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-to-fast-track-national-disability-data-system-to-curb-high-school-dropout-rates-5492276
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development is prioritizing the establishment of a comprehensive national data system for persons with disabilities (PWDs). This move is intended to enhance planning, program development, and the provision of services, ultimately aiming to reduce the alarmingly high rates of school dropout among disabled learners.
State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Disability, Ms Joyce Okeny Acan, highlighted that accurate data is fundamental for effective policy-making and resource allocation. The ministry will collaborate with the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) to build this crucial system. Furthermore, support will be provided for research led by PWDs to identify and dismantle systemic obstacles.
Ms. Acan expressed concern over the persistent high dropout rates, citing stigma, discrimination, financial hardship, and inaccessible educational environments as key contributing factors. Data from the 2024 UBOS National Population and Housing Census reveals a stark reality: only 9% of children with disabilities who start Primary One complete Primary Seven, with this figure dropping to just 6% by Senior Six.
To counter this educational crisis, a nationwide “Take Them to School / Soma Omwana” campaign is being launched, engaging local government, religious bodies, and cultural leaders. The ministry also plans to expand Special Needs Education (SNE) units, invest in training specialized teachers, and improve access to essential assistive devices.
The number of PWDs in Uganda has seen an increase, reaching 5.5 million in 2024 from 4.4 million a decade prior. Of these, 1.7 million are children and adolescents. The census also detailed specific challenges, with over 434,000 individuals experiencing mobility issues, alongside significant numbers facing visual, auditory, speech, and cognitive impairments.
Beyond education, Minister Acan pledged to enforce accessibility standards across public infrastructure, transportation, and technology. Efforts will also focus on strengthening vocational training programs to enhance employment opportunities for PWDs. “Accessibility is a right, not a privilege,” she stated, confirming a commitment to developing robust regulations and local ordinances to ensure existing disability laws are effectively implemented.