Uganda's education sector is set for transformation as the Uganda Society for Disabled Children (USDC), Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG), and the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER) launch a comprehensive study using Citizen-Generated Data (CGD).
This collaborative effort focuses on enhancing public investment, governance, and accountability to foster equitable learning opportunities for all children in Uganda by 2026, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.5.
The launch of the CGD initiative in Kampala marks a significant step toward improving educational planning for marginalised groups, particularly children with disabilities.
The study was conducted in the districts of Yumbe, Sheema, and Namayingo, targeting 288 households--144 with children with disabilities and 144 without. This approach aims to gather nuanced insights that traditional government data often overlook.
Dolorence Were, Executive Director of USDC, emphasised the importance of this data-driven approach:
"The data we have collected is crucial in addressing the unique needs of children with disabilities. It enables better resource allocation and supports inclusive education for all children, ensuring that no one is left behind."
Presented by Ann Gidudu, the report revealed several challenges hindering inclusive education:
Lack of Resources: Inadequate infrastructure, professional teachers, and assistive devices.
Social Barriers: Stigma and negative perceptions of disabilities.
Judith Nansereko from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) highlighted the significance of ethical data collection:
"Adopting new methodologies and ensuring openness between policymakers and data collectors are essential for the integrity and usefulness of the data. Citizen-Generated Data bridges the gap between statistics and the lived experiences of our communities."
This grassroots perspective complements existing datasets from the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) and UBOS, providing a richer understanding of governance and accountability in education.
Hellen Asamo, State Minister for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), stressed the need for inclusive planning:
"Grouping disabilities for better planning and prioritising inclusivity in budgeting and infrastructure are essential. We urge all ministries to leverage government programs like PDM and Emyooga to support these initiatives."
To maximize the impact of the research, a dissemination workshop is scheduled for December 18, 2024, at Hotel Africana in Kampala, from 8:15 AM to 2:00 PM.
This event will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the findings and develop actionable commitments to enhance public investment, governance, and equity in education.
The workshop serves as a platform for government officials, civil society representatives, and community members to collectively address the challenges and opportunities in achieving SDG 4.5.
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By leveraging CGD, Uganda aims to set a new standard for inclusive and equitable education planning. The collaborative efforts of ISER, CSBAG, and USDC are poised to empower policymakers and stakeholders with data-driven insights, addressing gaps in achieving inclusive education.
This initiative not only enhances public accountability and investment but also ensures that every child in Uganda has access to quality education, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future.
By integrating Citizen-Generated Data into education planning, Uganda is taking a significant step toward achieving SDG 4.5, ensuring that no child is left behind in the journey toward inclusive and equitable education for all.
