INCLUSIVE EDUCATION OF HEARING IMPAIRED STUDENTS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN UGANDA: STATUS AND BENEFITS

Although the number of hearing impaired students enrolled in public universities in Uganda is rising, they are still challenged by a number of obstacles. Inclusive education is increasingly recognized as a fundamental human right and an essential part of equitable and sustainable development. All students in Uganda, which encompasses those with disabilities, have equitable access to higher education guided by national policies and international agreements, like Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4). Despite supportive national laws and international commitments, Ugandan Universities continue to differ in how they include hearing impaired students, This study looks at the benefits of inclusive education for this demographic as well as the existing participation of hearing impaired students in Uganda's public universities. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through surveys, interviews, document reviews, and observations involving hearing impaired students, instructors, administrators, and peers. The study looked into the degree to which universities offer appropriate teaching techniques, accessible learning spaces, assistive technology such as sign language interpretation services and hearing aids, modified assessment procedures, and institutional support systems.