Myths and Inclusive Education of Children with Disabilities in Universities of Uganda

The current study was carried out in five universities of Uganda to assess the influence of myths on the inclusive education of children with disabilities in universities of Uganda. The quantitative data were collected from 95 lecturers, while qualitative data was collected from ten university students. The study found out that although the government has put in place several mechanisms to promote the education of disabled children, and although the government, civic leaders, religious leaders and non government organisations have done much to educate parents that disabled children are as important as those who are not disabled and should therefore be taken to school, many parents still hold negative stereotypes about children with disabilities. Their inclusive education is poor as regards enrolment in universities, and their interaction with other students is limited. However, their performance in academics is almost the same as that of the other normal students. The study un-covered that although universities are competing for students, many of them do not have conducive environment for students with disabilities. Secondly, the myths of the people in Uganda point to lack of appreciating children with disabilities as they are seen as a punishment and a curse from God, the ancestors and witchcraft. Therefore, myths have a significant influence on the poor inclusive education of children with disabilities in the universities of Uganda. Therefore, there is need for the government, religious leaders, teachers and civic leaders to educate the masses more on the value of educating children with disabilitiesup to university level since these children are useful to the country and to their families just as those without disabilities are.