Universal primary education policy implementation and academic performance of children with visual Impairment in Mulwno district, Uganda

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of the Universal Primary Education Policy Implementation on the academic performance of children with visual impairment in . The objectives were: to find out the impact of UPE policy implementation on the academic performance of visually impaired pupils; the challenges faced by teachers and to establish if there exists a relationship between UPE policies and academic performance of the children. The study utilized descriptive research designs using mainly the qualitative approach to examine phenomena and the quantitative and method involving descriptive statistics. 102 one respondents were sampled through non-probability sampling techniques. The data was subjected to qualitative descriptive analysis. There is a bigger gap on the ground (schools) between the UPE policy and the implementation. The UPE Policy is very clear and objective but the implementation is a challenge as it is confirmed by the academic performance of learners with visual impairment, inadequate trained skilled personnel, scholastic materials, no supervision is carried out by school and district administrators more especially on the learning and teaching of children with Visual impairment, teachers teaching are not motivated for the extra support they render to children with Visual impairment and negative attitude of some stakeholders. , A qualitative analysis of data from stakeholders converged on the fact that there is a link between UPE Policy implementation and academic performance of visually impaired pupils in UPE schools. The study recommends that the government should train more teachers for visual impaired schools so as to fill the gap that is currently there; Sensitize the schools and the masses on policy issues that affect people with disabilities; Provide access to text books in Braille as well as other scholastic devises such as assistive devices, supply or subsidize the costs of buying and acquisition of these scholastic materials and look into its policy on inclusive education.