About Us – Department of Community & Disability Studies (CDS)

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About Us

The Department of Community and Disability Studies (CDS) is one of the five departments within the Faculty of Special Needs and Rehabilitation at Kyambogo University, Uganda. Established in January 1996 as the Social and Vocational Rehabilitation (SVR) section under the Uganda National Institute of Special Education (UNISE), it was upgraded to department status in January 1997 and became the Department of Community and Disability Studies in 2002 when Kyambogo University was created. In the 1980s, the SVR section boldly pioneered the community-based rehabilitation (CBR) course in Uganda, despite other academic institutions’ reluctance.

The SVR section launched its first programs in the 1996/1997 academic year, including a Postgraduate Diploma in Community-Based Rehabilitation and a Certificate in Mobility and Rehabilitation, followed by a Diploma in Community-Based Rehabilitation in 1999. Over the past twenty-nine years, the department has evolved to offer a wide range of master’s, postgraduate, bachelor’s, diploma, and certificate programs that address various disability issues and interventions, catering to the needs of diverse learners and communities. The department is dedicated to promoting inclusive development, focusing on disability rehabilitation, human rights, social justice, empowerment, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities and other special needs. Since its inception, the department has thrived under the leadership of several heads who have introduced innovative programs.

Leadership

  1. 2024 – Present: Dr. Ponsiano Kabakyenga Nuwagaba, Ph.D.
  2. 2022 – 2024: Patrick Ojok, Ph.D.
  3. 2021- 2022: Elijah Musenyente, Ph.D.
  4. 2019 – 2021: Dr. Odette Tumwesigye Niyisabwa, Ph.D.
  5. 2016 – 2019: Patrick Ojok, Ph.D.
  6. 2015 – 2016: Dr. Eria Paul Njuki, Ph.D.
  7. 2013 – 2015: Dr. Stackus Okwaput, Ph.D.
  8. 2011 – 2013: Mr. Victor Locoro
  9. 2003- 2011: Mr. Asher Bayo
  10. 1997- 2003: Dr. Paul Vincent Ojwang, Ph.D.

Vision, Mission & Objectives

Vision

To be a Centre of Academic and Professional Excellence in Innovative and Inclusive Approaches to Inclusive development in Africa. 

Mission

To provide training, research, innovations, consultancy and community services in disability studies, inclusive community development, rehabilitation, human rights and social justice, as well as influence policy and practice relating to vulnerable populations and communities.

Objectives of the Department

The department strives to achieve the following specific objectives

  • To develop graduate, and undergraduate degree programmes in the field of disability studies, rehabilitation, human rights and social justice focused on inclusive community development
  • To conduct scientific research in the areas of disability studies, rehabilitation, human rights social justice and inclusive community development that inform and influence practices in the field.
  • To develop professional skills enhancement short-courses based on market demands for rehabilitation of people with disabilities and inclusive community development.
  • To provide specialist and technical support services in disability studies, rehabilitation, and development partners for quality service provision to people with disabilities.
  •  To collaborate with the government, and national and international nongovernmental organizations in planning, and implementation of development programs aimed at improving the well-being of people with disabilities.  
  • To create and/or popularize innovations, assistive devices and technologies that appreciate local context and support the rehabilitation of people with disabilities in Uganda.