In the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) 2023 examinations, Iganga Secondary School has demonstrated exceptional performance in the special needs education category. Deputy Headteacher, Patrick Merikol, revealed that all seven special needs candidates from the school passed with distinction.
The top-performing candidate, Emmanuel Pande, achieved an impressive aggregate score of 16, followed closely by Frank Sonko with a score of 19.
Merikol emphasized the importance of providing support for special needs students, highlighting the financial challenges many face in accessing quality education. He urged the government to prioritize support for these students and encouraged parents to invest in the education of children with special needs, emphasizing their potential contribution to the nation.
The success of Iganga Secondary School’s special needs students can be attributed to the institution’s focus on comprehensive guidance and counseling, complemented by spiritual nourishment as a Church of Uganda-founded school.
In recognition of the importance of inclusive education, First Lady and Education Minister Mrs. Janet Museveni commended the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) for its efforts in ensuring that adequate arrangements are made for children with special education needs.
UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo reported an increase in the number of special needs education candidates sitting for the UCE examination, with 809 candidates registering in 2023 compared to 721 in the previous year. This represents a 12.2% increase and includes candidates with various disabilities such as blindness, low vision, deafness, dyslexia, and physical handicaps.
Despite progress, challenges remain in ensuring equal access to education for children with disabilities. Statistics show that a significant portion of Ugandan children with disabilities do not have access to schooling, and many face barriers to transitioning between educational levels.
Efforts to improve access to education for children with disabilities are crucial for promoting inclusivity and ensuring that all learners have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
