By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Umoja Standard.
MUKONO, Uganda: Kampala Disability Foundation (KDF), in partnership with iLEAD Uganda, has launched the iLEAD (Inclusive Leadership for Every Ability and Disability) pilot programme at Sir Apollo Kaggwa Secondary School in Mukono District, marking a significant step towards empowering visually impaired students with leadership skills and self-advocacy.
The initiative is designed to equip learners with visual impairments with the knowledge, confidence and practical leadership experience needed to participate actively in school governance and become change-makers in their communities.
Through mentorship, structured leadership training and hands-on learning opportunities, the programme seeks to nurture a new generation of confident young leaders who will advocate for inclusion and inspire others.
Speaking at the launch, Patrick Wassajja, Founder and Team Leader of Kampala Disability Foundation, said the initiative responds to the limited access visually impaired students have had to leadership development programmes.
“Kampala Disability Foundation is working towards a society where students and persons with disabilities are empowered, respected and valued, enabling them to reach their full potential through equal access to health, education and economic opportunities,” Wassajja said.
He noted that although leadership programmes have reached many young people across Uganda, visually impaired learners have often been overlooked.
“iLEAD is preparing students to become tomorrow’s leaders. Many young people across Uganda are benefiting from leadership development initiatives, but visually impaired students have largely been left behind. This partnership ensures they are included and given an equal opportunity to lead,” he said.
Wassajja stressed that developing leadership skills from an early age is essential to preparing visually impaired learners for future leadership roles in their communities and at the national level.
“These students are the leaders of tomorrow. Uganda already has leaders with disabilities serving in Parliament and other public offices, but many never had the opportunity to receive structured leadership training during their school years. We want to ensure today’s visually impaired learners are equipped with the confidence and skills to take on those roles in the future.”
He said the pilot at Sir Apollo Kaggwa Secondary School represents the first step in a broader effort to make leadership development accessible to visually impaired students.
“We approached iLEAD because we believed our students deserved the same opportunity to develop leadership skills as everyone else. Beginning here at Sir Apollo Kaggwa Secondary School, we want to demonstrate that visual impairment should never be a barrier to leadership,” Wassajja added.
Beyond the iLEAD programme, Wassajja highlighted Kampala Disability Foundation’s continued efforts to empower learners through initiatives such as the Disability Awareness Schools Tour, which promotes disability awareness, confidence-building, menstrual hygiene education and talent development.
He also pointed to the Kampala Disability Festival, an annual event that celebrates the achievements, talents and potential of persons with disabilities from across Uganda.
“The festival provides an opportunity for persons with disabilities to celebrate their abilities rather than be defined by their disabilities. It is about showcasing potential, talent and resilience,” he said.
The launch of the iLEAD pilot marks an important milestone in promoting inclusive education by ensuring that visually impaired students are equipped with the leadership competencies, confidence and opportunities needed to contribute meaningfully to society.
Kampala Disability Foundation so far has presence in 50 schools across the country with over 2500 Students with different forms of disabilities reached.
