Kampala University Hosts Icelandic Delegation to Strengthen Disability Inclusion Initiatives
Kampala, Uganda – March 30, 2026
Kampala University recently hosted a high-level meeting with MUDIWA Association and an Icelandic donor delegation at its Gabala Lakeview Main Campus. The engagement marked a significant step toward strengthening partnerships aimed at advancing the socio-economic rights of persons with disabilities in Uganda and across East Africa.
Building on a Growing Partnership
The collaboration between Kampala University and MUDIWA Association began in 2024 through the University’s Community Engagements Office. Since then, the partnership has delivered impactful programs, particularly in Kasanda District, including:
- Medical outreach camps
- Disability rights awareness campaigns
- Educational support for students with disabilities and their families
- Vocational skills training for school dropouts with disabilities
These initiatives have contributed to improving access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for vulnerable communities.
Purpose of the Visit
The Icelandic donor delegation visited Uganda to engage directly with stakeholders, assess ongoing initiatives, and identify priority areas for intervention. The visit also provided an opportunity to explore how Kampala University can further contribute to addressing challenges faced by persons with disabilities, including social exclusion, limited access to services, and rights violations.
Leadership Emphasizes Inclusivity
In his opening remarks, Prof. Badru Kateregga, Founding Vice Chancellor of Kampala University, welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to inclusivity.
He highlighted the University’s role in serving diverse communities and advocated for the integration of persons with disabilities into scouting activities at all levels—from training to leadership and participation. Prof. Kateregga also commended Namukwaya Winnie for her dedication to advancing disability rights despite limited resources.
While emphasizing the University’s commitment, he also called on development partners to provide additional support to scale these initiatives.
Icelandic Delegation Pledges Collaboration
Leading the delegation, Asna underscored the importance of humanity and trust in their work. She noted that although financial resources may be limited, their organization’s strong network with European universities presents valuable collaboration opportunities.
She welcomed the proposal to include persons with disabilities in scouting programs and pledged to connect Ugandan stakeholders with Iceland’s scouting leadership to foster international cooperation.
MUDIWA Highlights Grassroots Impact
Ms. Namukwaya Winnie expressed appreciation to Kampala University for its continued support through bursaries, scholarships, and program funding.
She also shared insights from the delegation’s field visits since arriving in Uganda on March 24, 2026. These included engagements with women with disabilities in Mityana District involved in income-generating activities such as coffee farming and craft-making. She further acknowledged the donation of essential tools, including a laptop and smartphone, to support MUDIWA’s operations.
Key Resolutions and Way Forward
The meeting concluded with several strategic recommendations to strengthen disability inclusion:
- Establishment of a Disability Support Centre at Kampala University
- Development of a comprehensive University Disability Policy
- Provision of half bursaries to students with disabilities and children of persons with disabilities
- Creation of accessible and inclusive learning materials
- Expansion of research on disability-related challenges to inform policy
- Integration of Special Needs Education, including sign language, into academic programs—especially in nursing
- Creation of a coordination office within the Graduate School
- Promotion of joint proposal development and program implementation
Focal Persons Appointed
To ensure effective coordination, focal persons were appointed from all participating institutions:
Kampala University
- Mr. Kibanga Stephen James – Senior University Grants & Project Consultant
- Dr. Mukuye Ronald – Director of Research
- Mr. Ssebandeke – University Lawyer
- Mr. Kizito Fredrick Mutebi – Projects and Community Engagements Administrator
MUDIWA Association
- Ms. Namukwaya Winnie – Executive Director
Iceland Donor Consortium
- Ms. Asna – Delegation Head and Program Coordinator
Looking Ahead
All parties agreed on the urgent need to formalize the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement will define roles, responsibilities, and areas of collaboration, paving the way for expanded programs and long-term impact.
This engagement signals a shared commitment to advancing inclusion, empowering persons with disabilities, and building sustainable partnerships that drive meaningful change across Uganda and the wider East African region.