Equal Opportunities Commission – More Action, Less Words!
TOLL FREE LINE – 0800 100 440
On 10th March 2016, UNNGOF was privileged to attend the launch of the Equal Opportunities Commission launch of their new Logo, toff free line and 100 days action plan at their offices in Bugolobi. This event was presided over by the Minister of State for the Elderly and Disabled, Hon Sulaiman Madada who commended what he termed the launch of a law and a help line which are important to effectively delivering to the marginalized.
The Equal Opportunities Commission is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament to effectuate Article 32(3) and Article 32 (4) of the Constitution of Uganda. The Equal Opportunities Commission is mandated to eliminate discrimination and inequalities against any individual or group of persons on the ground of sex, age, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, health status, social or economic standing, political opinion or disability, and take affirmative action in favour of groups marginalised on the basis of gender, age, disability or any other reason created by history, tradition or custom for the purpose of redressing imbalances which exist against them, and to provide for other related matters.
The launch came two months after the assumption of office by the Commission and was aimed at garnering visibility, especially with at such a time as when everyone yearns social justice. The Chairperson, Ms Sylvia Ntambi Muwebwa shared that their appointment was particular to fulfilling the needs of the marginalized and that with the EOC Act of 2007; the Commission has quasi powers to dispense justice to those that require it. Ms Muwebwa hoped the toll free line, 0800 100 440 would assist more of those that need help make contact. She pledged that the Commission was ready to serve at pleasure of the citizens and would work more and talk less.
The Equal Opportunities Commission 2015/16 – 20120/21 is comprised of: Chairperson Ms Sylvia Ntambi Muwebwa; Vice Chairperson, Dennis Nduhura and members; Malole Zamina, Joel Cox Ojuko and Wafula Sirabo Patrobas.
The Commission outlines 7 key outputs for their first 100 days: Launch of the toll free line and logo; Monthly statements and articles; Holding of tribunal sessions starting with issues pending Minister’s attention; Audit of buildings on accessibility; Review of recommendations of the Annual Reports on the State of EOC and the minority; Study on the salary disparities on selected government institutions and; a press conference on the audit of the gender and equity certificate for ministerial policy statement.
The EOC is a key government institution that will complement the activities of many NGOs in the country and with whom partnerships to deliver social justice to the citizens could only be successful.
