POLICY DEVELOPMENT FOR INCLUSIVE TERTIARY EDUCATION in UGANDA

Uganda has embraced inclusive education and evidently committed itself to bringing about disability inclusion at every level of education. Both legal and non-legal frameworks have been adopted and arguably are in line with the intent of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on education. The CRPD, in Article 24, requires states to attain a right to education for persons with disabilities without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunities at all levels of education. Uganda has committed itself to uphold the UN Human Rights norms by ratifying various UN human rights treaties, including the recently adopted CRPD. The current constitution of Uganda reflects a similar commitment. Chapter four of the constitution guarantees protection and enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms to every citizen. Article 21 of the constitution, generally reaffirms the principle of chapter four that the enshrined fundamental rights and freedoms of the individuals in the constitution are inherent and not granted by the State; and that, these rights and freedoms shall be respected, upheld and promoted by all organs and agencies of government and by all persons.