London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Obuntu Bulamu Randomized Control Trial

The Obuntu Bulamu randomized control trial is a four-year research study conducted across 20 primary schools in Wakiso and Masaka districts of Uganda. It seeks to investigate the impact of Obuntu Bulamu project interventions between 2017-2019 on participation, inclusion, and quality of life of 200 children with disabilities.

Overall the research trial aims to promote the spread of the South African Ubuntu philosophy, which emphasizes the human characteristics of generosity, consideration, and humaneness toward others in the community, particularly children with disabilities.

Specific objectives

The Obuntu Bulamu randomized control trial aims to:

• Improve participation, inclusion and quality of life for children with disabilities at home and in school
• Conduct research on interventions that improve the health and development of persons with disabilities and;
• Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in disability research, education, and employment.

Research activities

• Assessing the effects of various developed learning materials on participants assigned to different control groups
• Promoting community inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through peer to peer engagement
• Facilitating disability inclusion workshops for parents and teachers in primary schools in the districts of Wakiso and Masaka.
• Raising awareness in communities about the importance of early childhood care and support for young children with developmental disabilities and their families.
• Developing learning materials using locally available resources

Duration

• 2020-2024

Funders

• Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad)
• Atlas Alliance
• International Foundation of Applied Disability Research (FIRAH)
• Child-Help

Implementing partners

• International Centre for Evidence in Disability (ICED)
• Makerere University
• Kyambogo University