Masaka School for the Deaf Celebrates 20 Years of Empowering Children with Special Needs

Masaka School for the Deaf recently marked a significant milestone 20 years of transforming the lives of children with special needs. The celebrations, attended by distinguished guests including the Nnaabegereka, Sylvia Nagginda, highlighted the school’s commitment to providing inclusive education and empowering deaf children.

In her address, Nnaabegereka Nagginda applauded the school’s management, teachers, and parents for their dedication to supporting children with hearing challenges. 

She emphasized the importance of collective effort in achieving inclusive education for all, urging stakeholders to advocate for resources and support.

“Achieving inclusive education for all requires collective effort from the government, corporates, educators, parents, and the community at large,” she said.

Francis Kamulegeya, the school’s proprietor, reflected on the institution’s growth, from its humble beginnings with 12 pupils and two teachers to its current enrollment of 133 children and 27 teachers. 

He highlighted the school’s mission to empower deaf children, equipping them with academic knowledge, hands-on skills, and confidence to integrate into society.

The school has achieved remarkable success, with over 1,000 alumni, many of whom have pursued higher education, gained employment, or established families. Academically, the students have performed well, with all eight candidates passing their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) last year.

The celebrations were attended by notable figures, including I&M Bank CEO Robin Bairstow, MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge, and Uganda Breweries Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo, among others.

Masaka School for the Deaf was founded in 2005 by Francis Kamulegeya and his late sister, Sophia Kafeero, with a vision to uplift children often overlooked by society. The institution offers both primary education and vocational skills training, providing a supportive environment for deaf children to thrive.