Education stakeholders urge stronger support for learners with dyslexia

What the report says

Education stakeholders in Uganda are calling for stronger research, earlier identification and improved teacher preparation to better support learners with dyslexia across all stages of education. The appeal was made during the fourth National Dyslexia Awareness Day, held at Makerere University’s School of Public Health Auditorium in Kampala, where researchers, educators, parents, learners and disability advocates discussed gaps in support and inclusion.

According to The Observer, the event centred on the theme of embracing neurodiversity and recognising the strengths of people with dyslexia through school, higher education and adult life. Makerere University representatives, including Prof Bruce Kirenga speaking on behalf of Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, stressed the need for more local research to determine the extent of dyslexia in Uganda and for closer cooperation among universities, families, schools and government.

Speakers also pointed to weak awareness, poor assessment systems and limited support services as major barriers. They warned that learners’ reading and writing difficulties are often misread as laziness or low ability, which can deepen stigma and affect self-esteem. Organisers said support should begin early and continue through higher education, where learning differences may go unrecognised.

The initiative, organised since 2023 by a consortium of special needs and disability-focused groups, is also pushing for stronger institutional records and a national dyslexia database to improve evidence and guide policy and services.