Author

Kevin

Mr. Patrick Ocailap (center) - Deputy Secretary to the Treasury receiving the assessment report from Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi – Chairperson to the Commission in the presence of other officials from the ministry

THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE, PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (MOFPED) RECEIVES THE COMMISSION’S ASSESSEMENT REPORT ON MINISTERIAL POLICY STATEMENTS FINANCIAL YEAR (FY) 2017/2018

by Kevin April 25, 2017

Mr. Patrick Ocailap (center) – Deputy Secretary to the Treasury receiving the assessment report from Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi – Chairperson to the Commission in the presence of other officials from the ministry

On 5th April 2017, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) met staff of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development at the Ministry’s head office in Kampala to hand over the Commission’s report on the assessment results on Compliance of Ministerial Policy Statements with gender and equity requirements for the Financial Year 2017/2018.

On behalf of the Secretary to the Treasury, the report was received by Mr. Patrick Ocailap – Deputy Secretary to the Treasury. Other staff of the Ministry who attended the meeting was Mr. Godwin Kakama – Commissioner Budget Policy, Mr. Moses Zziwa – Assistant Commissioner, Mr. Robert Sekate – Acting Principal Budget Officer and Sylvia Tereka – Gender Advisor at the Ministry.

The EOC was represented by the Chairperson – Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi, Mr. Evans Jjemba – the Senior Compliance and Reporting Officer and Mr. James Mugisha – Senior Planner and Economist.

In response to the assessment findings presented by the Commission’s Chairperson, Mr. Ocailap applauded the Equal Opportunities Commission for finalizing the assessments in time especially since most of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies had submitted their Ministerial Policy Statements after the deadline. He further intimated that the Ministry did not expect the Commission to meet the legal requirements of the PFMA but was glad it did.

Having received the assessment results, Mr. Ocailap informed the meeting that the ministry will be preparing the gender and equity compliance certificates for institutions which attained the minimum score and make submissions to Parliament. He added that when allocating funds in the next Financial Year (FY), Parliament will summon votes which did not meet the minimum score to explain why they performed below the minimum requirement. He pledged to hand the Minister the assessment report findings and to ensure the Commission’s recommendations are adhered to.

Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi presenting the assessment results to Mr. Ocailap and other officials from the ministry as Mr. Evans Jjemba – Principal Compliance Officer and Mr. James Mugisha – Senior Planner and Economist look on

In her presentation, Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi informed the Ministry officials the purpose of the Gender and Equity assessment, the assessment tools used, general observations, challenges encountered during the assessments among others. She went ahead and explained that Parliament resolved and directed the Commission to raise the Gender and Equity compliance minimum mark from 40% to 50%. As a result, assessments were made basing on this and were in total 133 Votes. However, she informed the meeting that the Commission was in its report, presenting results of only 101 votes which had made submissions by Friday 24th March 2017. Of these, 79 scored the set minimum mark while 22 were unable to reach the minimum mark. Assessment results for the remaining 32 Votes whose submissions were made late would be ready on 3rd April 2017 while those that had not submitted would meet their assessment costs and their results would be availed 5 days after submission. Overall, the national compliance to Gender and Equity requirements for the FY 2017/2018 was 51% as compared to 53% for the FY 2016/2017.

Among the recommendations she made included the Commission’s call to MDAs which did not meet the minimum score and those with challenges of discerning Gender and Equity in their Ministerial Policy Statements to seek guidance from the Commission. MDAs were also requested to nominate focal persons whom the Commission should liaise with on Gender and Equity matters as a short term measure but in future hire technical advisors for Gender and Equity mainstreaming.

Representatives from the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development and the Equal Opportunities Commission during the hand over meeting

To the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), recommendations made included denial of Gender and Equity compliance certificates to the 22 votes that did not achieve the minimum qualifying score until they fulfill the necessary requirements. It was also recommended that the 79 sectors which met the minimum score of 50% and above be issued the Certificate of Gender and Equity Compliance as per the relevant section(s) of the PFMA 2015.

Following this meeting, the Commission convened a press conference on 5th April 2017 during which it released the assessment findings to the Public. The Commission commends the 79 Votes which passed the assessment score card and encourages all MDAs to mainstream gender and equity issues in their plans and budgets.

Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi – Chairperson to the Commission and Mr. Dennis Nduhura – Vice Chairperson to the Commission during the press conference.

April 25, 2017 381 views

BFP G&E Mps

THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE, PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (MOFPED) RECEIVES THE COMMISSION’S ASSESSEMENT REPORT ON MINISTERIAL POLICY STATEMENTS FINANCIAL YEAR (FY) 2017/2018.

by Kevin April 25, 2017

[vc_row type=”vc_default”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas vitae sem dolor. Vestibulum molestie pretium sem in faucibus. Curabitur ornare lorem a nulla euismod accumsan. Suspendisse auctor rutrum gravida. Vestibulum eget erat non turpis aliquet placerat nec vel sem. Nam ut massa vel lacus euismod laoreet. Maecenas egestas laoreet hendrerit. Vestibulum convallis sed est et placeran tristique ultrices.

[dt_quote type=”pullquote” layout=”left” font_size=”h5″ animation=”none” size=”2″]A picture is worth a thousand words. An interface is worth a thousand pictures.[/dt_quote]

Suspendisse turpis ex, ultricies nec mattis vitae, dictum et eros. Nullam et nisi purus. Nulla sit amet lacus sapien. Curabitur eget pharetra sapien, eu ornare justo. Etiam posuere consectetur quam in aliquet. Donec mollis lectus volutpat ipsum cursus fermentum. Vivamus nec interdum ante. Sed cursus orci at porta ornare. Donec sit amet imperdiet mi. Aliquam suscipit semper purus, ut tempor ligula condimentum et. Curabitur nulla diam, blandit et sem nec, laoreet fermentum augue. Maecenas non nulla ex. Maecenas et neque eu est molestie rutrum at vel neque. Proin sit amet egestas justo. Nunc maximus urna a ante semper, ac semper mi convallis.

[dt_quote type=”pullquote” layout=”right” font_size=”h5″ animation=”none” size=”2″]Once the product’s task is known, design the interface first; then implement to the interface design.[/dt_quote]

Ut sit amet nibh id augue placerat convallis. Duis a dolor mollis, tincidunt nisi sed, semper massa. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Nunc consectetur rhoncus aliquet. Phasellus id varius lacus, et euismod purus. Donec nunc nisl, congue nec convallis eget, ullamcorper ut nisl. Donec vel turpis id augue ultricies rutrum. Cras dignissim et libero at rhoncus. Ut egestas sollicitudin nisi id ornare!

Sed tincidunt urna sit amet tempus euismod. Morbi eu enim ac risus varius porta ac nec dui. Praesent eleifend, ipsum et bibendum lobortis, ex nulla laoreet lorem, nec varius neque mauris sit amet arcu. Phasellus elementum libero eget risus ultricies, eget euismod dui venenatis ullamcorper vehicula. Etiam eu varius leo. Maecenas a commodo augue. Fusce lobortis ultricies sem, nec interdum ipsum vulputate a. Quisque at nibh ac purus aliquet accumsan. In lobortis elit et gravida varius.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

April 25, 2017 379 views

Media Training

THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION (EOC) PARTAKES IN THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA

by Kevin April 21, 2017

As part of its mandate to eliminate discrimination and marginalization in the country, the Equal Opportunities Commission participated in the Kabaka’s run that was organized to raise funds towards the Sickle cell anemia. The run took place on 9th April 2017 starting at the Lubiri grounds. The intent of the Commission’s participation in the run was to render support to the sickle cell victims who are largely discriminated against in the country.

Prior to the Run, the Equal Opportunities Commission hosted Mr. Robert Kabushenga – Executive Director of the New Vision Publications for a meeting at its head office in Bugolobi. On behalf of the Commission, the meeting was attended by the Chairperson – Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi, the Vice Chairperson – Mr. Dennis Nduhura, Member Patrobas Sirabo Wafula, Member Joel Cox Ojuko and technical staff.

In his remarks, Mr. Kabushenga expressed gratitude towards the Commission’s financial support intimating that the Sickle cell anaemia is one of the ailments killing citizens across the country. He went on and informed the gathering that there are many sickle cell patients dying in the country due to lack of finances stretching that any financial aid made towards their well-being can make a positive impact in their lives.

Mr. Kabushenga expatiated that sports is one of the avenues which can be used to fight discrimination and create awareness about the fight against diseases. He further informed the gathering that the meeting was a breaking point for a long and mutual relationship between the two institutions. In conclusion to his remarks, Mr. Kabushenga handed the Commission 50 sports kits to be used by Commission Members and staff on the D-day.

Mrs. Ntambi informed Mr. Kabushenga that the Commission is mandated to eliminate discrimination and marginalization in the country on grounds of age, sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, creed, political affiliation, tribe, birth, health status, disability, religion, social or economic standing. She went on and explained that among the group of persons who are excluded in society are sickle cell patients because of their health status. Mrs. Ntambi stretched that sickle cell patients are marginalized under the assumption that their ill health can’t allow them to be involved in any activity, including education, employment and many others. Against this, the Commission joined in the campaign by making a financial contribution to reach out to this group of persons.

Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi – Chairperson (standing) addressing the meeting during the visit at the Commission head office.

On the same occasion, the Chairperson informed Commission staff that they will be participating in a weekly health run every Friday afternoon. This, she said, will enable them maintain healthy bodies and minds and thus be more productive.

“Let me also use this opportunity to inform my staff that effective this week, they will be participating in a weekly health run every Friday. The purpose of the health run is to keep you healthy and fit” said Mrs. Ntambi.”

The Kabaka’s run is an annual event organized by the Buganda Kingdom in celebration of the Kabaka’s birthday. The event is held in collaboration with Vision Group and other stakeholders and the proceeds are used to improve people’s livelihoods.

April 21, 2017 361 views

Training Women

THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION PARTICIPATES IN THE SIXTY FIRST SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN (CSW) IN NEW YORK

by Kevin April 11, 2017

Between 13th and 24th March 2017, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) participated in the sixty first session of the CSW in New York City organized by the United Nations. The purpose of the sixty first session was to discuss progress in women’s enjoyment of their rights in the political, economic and social fields and agree on further actions that can be implemented to accelerate gender equality and women’s empowerment across the world. The session was also convened to discuss progress and gaps in implementation of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the key global policy document of gender equality.

The session was attended by representatives of UN Member States, Civil Society Organizations and UN entities. The delegation from Uganda included the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Civil Society Organizations and the Equal Opportunities Commission. The Equal Opportunities Commission was represented by the Chairperson – Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi and Ms. Zaminah Malole – Member of the Commission. The Chairperson was part of the Uganda delegation which organized the event.

The session involved general discussions on review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and sharing of experiences and good practice on its implementation, an interactive dialogue on the empowerment of indigenous women, a dialogue on the challenges and achievements in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals for girls and women. The session also included high level interactive dialogues among Ministers on Gender pay gaps in the public and private sectors, policies which can be used to effectively support women’s economic empowerment, how technology and innovation can be harnessed to accelerate women’s economic empowerment among others.

Hon. Janat Mukwaya – Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development presented a document on data use for the National Gender Equality machineries and the key challenges in accessing data for monitoring the implementation of the 2030 agenda at national level.

The Equal Opportunities Commission presented a document on building alliances towards the economic empowerment of women. This was presented by Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi in which she articulated Uganda’s experience on how alliances can be used to promote women’s economic empowerment in the changing world of work. Mrs. Ntambi took participants through the guiding principles to building alliances among which include addressing issues that impede women’s economic participation, prompting women entrepreneurship and promoting equal access to decent work. For these to be accomplished, Mrs. Ntambi explained that strategies are implemented some of which include addressing legal, regulatory and policy barriers to ensure there are no forms of discrimination that hinder women economic empowerment, promotion of Gender inclusive economic development through adopting gender inclusive programs and projects and many others. Mrs. Ntambi cited an example of the Energy for Rural transformation project which adopted gender inclusive targets like increasing the number of solar operated health centers to facilitate women delivery in rural areas.

Another strategy used to promote women empowerment is signing of declarations between institutions to create more equitable conditions for men and women in the work place. For example, a declaration signed between the Private Sector Foundation Uganda and UNDP in 2016 in which the Private Sector pledged to adopt the Gender Equality Seal Certification Programme for Public and Private Enterprises – a model pioneered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Following each discussion, recommendations were made on the best approaches that can be used to accelerate women empowerment. Outcomes and implementation of each session are later forwarded to ECOSOC for follow up.

In closure of the event, the Ugandan delegation had a cocktail at the New York Uganda Mission

The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the Principal Intergovernmental Body exclusively dedicated to documenting the reality of women’s rights, promoting gender equality and the empowerment of Women throughout the world. CSW is a functional Commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) which was established by Council Resolution 11 (2) of 21st June 1946.

April 11, 2017 386 views

BFP CSR Media

CONSULTATIVE MEETING HELD BETWEEN THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION (EOC) AND THE NATIONAL UNION OF DISABLED PERSONS OF UGANDA (NUDIPU)

by Kevin April 4, 2017

On 6th March 2017, the Equal Opportunities Commission convened a meeting with the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda to pave way for enhancing the visibility of disability issues in the Sectoral and Ministerial Policy Statements during the respective planning and budgeting cycles. The meeting was held at the Commission’s offices in the presence of Ms. Zaminah Malole – Member of the Commission, Mr. Joel Cox Ojuko – Member of the Commission, Mr. Patrobas Sirabo Wafula – Member of the Commission, Mr. Mannesseh Kwihangana – Senior Compliance Officer and Mr. Juma Waira – Senior Education and Training Officer. As a result, this has continuously made disability issues invisible in their respective plans and budgets.

On behalf of NUDIPU, the meeting was attended by Ms. Esther Kyozira – Programmes manager, Mr. Hassan Waddimba – Programmes associate, Mr. S. Nkulinga and Ms. Angella Balabe.

The representatives from NUDIPU noted that the technical staff responsible for planning and budgeting in Ministries, Departments and Agencies are not conversant with disability issues and therefore lack comprehensive interventions on disability in their Gender and Equity compacts. As a result, this has continuously made disability issues invisible in their respective plans and budgets. The team also noted that there is a task force responsible for assessing sectoral plans, budgets and ministerial statements but lack comprehensive knowledge on the evolving concept of disability and its challenges. NUDIPU made a case too that there are types of disabilities and thus requested the Commission to create awareness on all these types.

Since the Equal Opportunities Commission is mandated to make recommendations to Ministry of Finance on which institutions should be awarded gender and equity compliance certificates, NUDIPU requested EOC to permit persons with disabilities to be part of the assessment team so that they can provide technical backstopping on disability matters during the assessments. They further requested the Commission to share the compacts to enable NUDIPU make its input. Moreso, NUDIPU made an inquiry as to when EOC will be sensitizing Local Governments on Gender and Equity, assessing their budgets and also requested the Commission to set a deadline for validation and dissemination of the health and education compacts. NUDIPU also proposed that a disability compact be developed to track disability issues.

Member Zaminah expressed gratitude to NUDIPU for its efforts in mainstreaming gender and equity issues and for its continued support towards the EOC since its inception. In response to NUDIPU’s concerns, she informed the team that the compacts of some sectors had never been concluded but that EOC will share with NUDIPU those which were concluded. She also pledged to share the Ministerial Development Plans to enable NUDIPU make its input. She noted that vulnerable persons are excluded from institutional plans but that the Commission is addressing this through the assessments of ministerial policy statements and budget framework papers. Ms. Malole further noted that the concept of gender and equity budgeting is still new to the public but through its sensitization workshops, the EOC will ensure all institutions acquire knowledge of the concept. She requested NUDIPU to prepare and participate in the National Development Plan 3 so as to make input on the issues which were not addressed in the second National Development Plan 2.

Member Ojuko informed NUDIPU that the assessment tools for institutional budgets were developed and that these address the interests of PWDs. He added that the Commission has unlimited powers to ensure inclusion of all marginalized persons in budgets including Persons With Disabilities because of its mandate and therefore reassure NUDIPU that the concerns raise will be addressed.

NUDIPI is an umbrella organization that brings together various categories of persons with disabilities including those with physical, mental and sensory impairments.

April 4, 2017 358 views

Training Women

THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION (EOC) JOINS THE WORLD TO COMEMORATE THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY – “WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN THE CHANGING WORLD OF WORK.’’

by Kevin April 4, 2017

On 8th March 2017, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) participated in the International Women’s Days celebrations which were held in Dokolo district at Dokolo Technical School. The celebrations were graced by H.E Yoweri Kagutta Museveni – President of the Republic of Uganda and the Chief guest, the first Lady – Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, the Rt. Hon Speaker of Parliament – Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament – Hon. Jacob Oulanya, Central Government Ministers, Members of Parliament, other Government dignitaries, representatives of employers and workers, civil society and the general public.

The Commission was represented by Mr. Joel Cox Ojuko – Member of the Commission, Mr. Sunday Nicholas Olwor – Acting Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Julius Kamya – Commissioner Education Training Information and Communication, Ms. Petua Isabirye – Principal Education and Training Officer, Mr. Juma Waira – Senior Education and Training Officer and other technical staff.

In his speech, the President informed the congregation that top on the NRM government’s agenda is the welfare of women. He urged women to acquire entrepreneurial skills and called upon women activists to engage women in skills development for self-reliance since they can be game changers at all levels if organized well. The President said women’s rights have been integrated in government programmes like education, health and infrastructure to improve their livelihoods and noted that emphasis needs to be put on wealth creation to among women. This, he said, will be addressed through attracting investors to establish more factories which can employ women.

“Since the country has got enough electricity supply, more factories should be established since they can employ a good magnitude of people including women,’’ Museveni said.

The President also pledged to support exhibitors at the various events because they have good innovations.

In her remarks, Hon. Janat Mukwaya – Minister of Gender Labour and Social development said that a women’s fund had been established as had been promised during the 2015 International women’s day celebrations. She said the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme was established for economic empowerment and poverty alleviation among women and that 115 districts had so far benefited from it since its inception.

Ms. Rosa Malango – the UN Resident coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Uganda said the UN in Uganda is providing capacity building for enacting and implementing laws on gender and equality and supporting the empowerment of women and the girl child nationwide. She however noted that there are still serious hurdles which disadvantage women from accessing land, credit, education, and market opportunities despite the conducive policy and legal environment in the country. As thus, Ms. Malango made an appeal to government to promote women’s rights and advocate for an end to violence against women and early child marriage.

The celebrations were adorned with a series of activities which included hand over of dummy cheques of the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme to beneficiary groups. The cheques amounting to 70 million were handed over to different women groups in Dokolo district by the President. The President also awarded women who have demonstrated support for women empowerment with accolades and also handed over motorcycles to Dokolo district leadership to help in the monitoring and evaluation of government programmes in the region.

The celebrations also included a match – past which the Commission fully participated in. Other activities included exhibitions, music and poetry from children and women groups.

April 4, 2017 356 views

BFP Training

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT RECEIVE TRAINING ON THE ASSESSEMENT SCORECARD FOR BUDGET FRAMEWORK PAPERS (BFP) AND MINISTERIAL POLICY STATEMENTS (MPS)

by Kevin March 28, 2017

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) on 31st January 2017 convened a training workshop for different Parliamentary Committee Members and staff at the Members lounge in Parliament. The training was held to equip the Members of Parliament with the scorecard used for assessing Budget Frame work Papers (BFPs) and Ministerial Policy Statements (MPSs) and how to discern issues of gender and equity in budgets since they are responsible for approving them.

Among the MPs who attended the training was Hon. Margret Komuhangi- Chairperson of the Committee on Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon Jacob Opolot MP Pallisa district, Hon. Justine Ayebazibwe, Hon. James Waluswaka – MP Butaleja district, Hon. Doreen K Kemirembe – Woman MP Lyantonde district, Hon. Aboud Kittata – MP western Bukoto Lwengo district and many more.

Members of Parliament introducing themselves at the start of the training.

The EOC was represented by the Chairperson – Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi, Member Zaminah Malole, Mr. Evans Jjemba – Principal Compliance and Reporting Officer, Mr. Manasseh Kwihangana – Senior Compliance Officer, Mrs. Becky Twiine, Mr. John Mary Kisembo – Internal Auditor, Ms. Jesca Kaahwa – Senior Personal Secretary and Ms. Betty Namazzi – volunteer.

In her speech, Mrs. Ntambi expressed gratitude to the MPs who attended the training and informed them about the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) which mandates the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to certify Budget Framework Papers, the National Budget and Ministerial Policy Statements which are gender and equity responsive in consultation with the Equal Opportunities Commission. She went ahead and informed them that the training was convened to sensitize them about the importance of Gender and Equity Budgeting and Planning, the assessment Score Card for the Budget Framework Papers (BFPs) and Ministerial Policy Statements (MPSs) for FY 2017/2018 as well as share the assessment findings of BFPs for FY 2017/2018.

This was followed by a presentation on the legal policy framework for EOC, its background, mandate, background to Gender and equity planning and budgeting, Compliance of sectors and MDAs to G&E PFMA provisions and the legislative role of EOC in the implementation of G&E provisions in PFMA 2015.

Mrs. Becky Twiine made a presentation on the assessment of the BFP score card for the FY 2017/2018. This highlighted various key aspects on the assessment score card which included the PBB Model in respect to G&E, G&E expectations with Respect to BFP Structure and Gender and Equity Issues Identified in NDP II.

The presentation on the summary findings from the assessment of BFPs for the FY 2017/2018 was made by Mr. Evans Jemba. MPs were taken through the areas of focus that were considered in the G&E assessment 2017/2018 which included Sector contribution to Inclusive Growth, Sector Objective to G&E FY 2017/2018, Sector Outcomes for the FY 2017/2018, Key Performance Issues FY 2016/2017, Past performance and Medium Term G&E interventions 2017/2018-2019/2020.

In response to the presentation, MPs raised concerns which among others included request for proof of statistics of schools in Kalangala district as indicated in EOC’s findings, whether the Commission conducts sensitisation trainings for all MDAs and sectors, if the Commission monitors implementation of the gender and equity issues highlighted in the BFPs and MPSs and they noted that assessment of BFPs was already conducted which limited their input. All the concerns raised were addressed by the EOC.

The training was a success since the MPs clearly understood the content, which was shared, and they encouraged EOC to organise other training sessions so as to keep them informed and guide their decision making.

March 28, 2017 378 views

Events

THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION PARTICIPATES IN THE 6TH REGIONAL ANNUAL PROBONO DAY

by Kevin March 22, 2017

On 24th February 2017, the Equal Opportunities Commission participated in the probono events organised by Uganda Law Society.

Under the theme,’ Access to Justice – the role of a Pro bono lawyer,” the day started with a peaceful procession from the High court, past the Sheraton and Serana hotels, down to Nile Avenue, on to Jinja road and ended at the Railway grounds which was the ceremonial grounds. The Equal Opportunuties Commision was well presented during the procession.

The Hon. Minister of Justice – Kahinde Otaffire commended the DFG and Uganda Law Society for ensuring that the poor have acces to justice. He requested the lawyers to avoid being profit oriented by providing services to only the rich but also reach out to the poor especially since the ratio of lawyers to the population is very low. He further encouraged lawyers to handle clients’ cases expeditiously and in time.

To the clients, the Hon Minister requested them to always tell lawyers the truth if they want to be helped expeditiously. The Hon. Minister also addresed the Mayor’s concern regarding the absence of space for margistrates and judges by requesting him to work closely with Mrs. Jennifer Musisi to ensure they get better sitting space. He concluded by informing participants that Government is in the process of establishing a legal Aid project and system and he pledged to ensure that it is effected.

The Guest of Honor – Hon. Justice Dr. Yorokamu Bamwiine noted that access to justice requires courts of law to be both accessible and affordable and that justice should be availed to all irrespective of their social and economic status. Mr. Bamwiine informed participants that the judiciary realised there cannot be effective administration of justice to Ugandans when the majority population is poor to afford legal representation. They therefore adopted pro-people innovations to improve access to justice in courts of law. Mr. Bamwine further informed participants about the small claims procedure under which parties can represent themselves and commended it as one of the measures which have improved access to justice in courts of law. In conclusion, Mr. Bamwiine noted that uncompensated legal services to the poor and under presented are some of the public obligations of lawyers in the country and encouraged lawyers to be involved in the provision of free services.

He concluded by making a cry to Government to hasten the enactment of the national Legal Aid Policy to ensure justice is availed to all and as well diversify legal aid service providers by entering agreements with NGOs, Universities, law schools’ clinics and faith and community-based organisations to provide legal Aid services.

In his remarks, the President of the Uganda Law Society – Mr. Francis Gimara appreciated Hon. Justice Remmy Kasule who initiated the Pro bono scheme adding that the scheme has been a success since it managed to enlist over 1,589 lawyers offering free legal service to the citizens of Uganda. Mr. Gimara said that Pro bono services have improved the livelihoods of many marginalised persons specifying an example of over 10, 496 clients across the country who benefited from the project in 2016. Mr. Gimara concluded by encouraging lawyers to enroll for Pro bono to ensure there is equal access to justice for all people in the country.

On behalf of DGF, Mr. Thomas Tiedemann – head of section Governance and Human Rights commended the Uganda Law Society for commemorating the day which celebrates the efforts of lawyers in promoting justice through the provision of free legal services to the needy. He added that DGF supports four full time legal aid clinics and that its support has further enabled the Pro bono scheme to reach more 40 districts in the country. Mr. Tiedemann informed participants that the continued absence of a policy and law on legal aid has hampered effective delivery of legal services.

“ This could partly explain why a recent study by the Haque Institute for the Internalisation of Law (HiiL) found that people, especially the poor, firmly believe that Ugandan Courts are biased against the poor and marginalised,’’ said Thomas Tiedemann.

Mr. Tiedemann urged every one to advocate for this policy and legislation. Mr. Tieddemann concluded by reiterating DGF’s commitment to partner with any initiatives aimed at ensuring fairness and justice for all through the Legal Aid Program.

Mr. Erias Lukwago – Lord Mayor of the City of Kampala thanked members of the legal fraternity for offering free legal advice to marginalised persons. The Lord Mayor made a case about the existence of a court within KCCA which causes severe interactions at the KCCA. He requested that it be relocated elsewhere. He further made a case about the Judges and Margistrates at KCCA whose sitting positions are bad and requested the Hon. Minister of Justice – Kahinde Otafiire to come to their rescue.

The event was adorned with testiminoies from clients who benefited from the Pro bono services. These intimated how they were able to access justice through the relentless help of Pro bono lawyers. At the event, lawyers from different law firms showed commitment towards offering free legal services to the clients who attended the event by attending to their needs.

March 22, 2017 359 views

Events Youth

THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION (EOC) CONVENES CONSULTATIVE MEETING WITH THE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL.

by Kevin March 3, 2017

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) on 15th February 2017 convened a consultative meeting with members of the National Youth Council to enhance EOC’s interaction with the National Youth Council regarding the plight of the youth in the country and how the two institutions can work closely to ensure youth livelihoods are improved. The meeting was held at Unik hotel – Kyaliwajala in preparation of a youth conference which the Commission will hold at a later stage in the year.

On behalf of the Commission, the meeting was attended by Mr. Patrobas Sirabo Wafula- Member of the Commission, Professor Sunday Nicholas Olwor – Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Julius Kamya – Commissioner Education Training Information and Communication, Ms. Petua Isabirye – Principal Education and Training Officer, Mr. Juma Waira – Senior Education and Training Officer and Ms. Jesca Kahwa – Senior Personal Secretary.

Member Patrobas Wafula Sirabo summarized for the Committee the background of the Equal Opportunities Commission and its mandate, highlighting the powers it has in addressing youth concerns and ensuring they enjoy equal opportunities in the provision of services and resources. He urged the Committee members to ensure youth understand and participate in development programs and processes, citing reasons that this will contribute towards the development agenda.

In reaction to the presentation made by the EOC, the Chairperson of the National Youth Council – Ms. Aber Lillian said it’s been a challenge implementing the council’s mandate. Among the challenges she pointed out included under funding of youth programmes and continuous fights between the youth and elder persons. She pointed out that the National Youth Council has established structures which the Commission can rely on when implementing its mandate among the youth and pledged for its full support towards the EOC.

Other members of the National Youth Council cited challenges which the youth experience including the student Loan Scheme which is discriminatory and the Youth Livelihood programme whose beneficiaries are majorly elder persons. They called for EOC’s intervention in these programmes. Lack of monitoring tools for youth programmes and ignorance among the youth on existing youth programmes were among the other challenges noted. Not with standing, members of the National Youth Council noted that youth also contribute to their own exclusion from beneficial programmes through their characters like low self-esteem. This, they said, can be addressed through youth empowerment programs.

The EOC together with Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development were also urged to ensure all youth institutions involve the National Youth Council in the planning, monitoring and implementation of programmes. EOC was further requested to lobby for adequate legal frameworks to enhance youth funding.

The National Youth Council is the umbrella organization and voice for all young people in Uganda between the age of 18 and 35 years. The council was established by an Act of Parliament in 1993 to organize the youth of Uganda in a unified body and engage them in activities that bare of benefit to them and the nation.

The Commission looks forward to working with the National Youth Council and building a stronger relationship aimed at empowering the youth in the country.

March 3, 2017 383 views

Events

THE RT. HON REBECCA A. KADAGA RECEIVES EOC’S REPORT ON THE FINDINGS OF THE ASSESSMENT OF SECTOR BUDGET FRAMEWORK PAPERS FOR FY 2017/2018 TO GENDER AND EQUITY REQUIREMENTS.

by Kevin February 21, 2017

On 16th December 2016, the Chairperson and Members of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) met the Rt. Hon. Rebecca A. Kadaga in her chambers at Parliament to share EOC’s report on the findings from the assessments of Sector Budget Framework Papers to compliance with Gender and Equity requirements which the Commission conducted in the month of December 2016. Among the dignitaries who attended the hand over meeting was Hon. Mohammed Nsereko – Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Committee of Parliament, Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo – Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Equal Opportunities in Parliament, Ms. Margret Komuhangi – Chairperson of the Committee on Gender, Labor and Social Development and Hon. Jovah Kamateeka – Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee in Parliament.

The EOC was represented by the Chairperson – Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi, the Vice Chairperson – Mr. Dennis Nduhura Mwebaze, Member Zaminah Malole, Member Patrobas Sirabo Wafula, Member Joel Cox Ojuko and Mr. Evans Jjemba – the Senior Compliance and Reporting Officer.

In reaction to the presentation made by the EOC, the Hon. Speaker of Parliament commended the Equal Opportunities Commission for conducting the assessments adding that Uganda is the first country in the world to Gender and Equity budgeting and planning. She further requested for the criteria which was used to grade the sectors noting that concerns like poor sanitation, low student attendance have been identified in the education sector. The Rt. Hon. Speaker also inquired whether grading the sectors involved considering the number of female employees with contracts. She requested the Commission to disseminate the assessment guidelines to the public to enable them have access to this information. She concluded by informing the meeting that she informed all clerks to ensure all Ministries, departments and agencies have certificates of compliance from MoFPED. This she said will promote the Commission’s mandate among all these institutions.

Hon. Margret Komuhangi congratulated the Commission for having successfully conducted the assessment. She requested the Commission to train all the Members of Parliament on these assessment tools used and further implored the Commission to draft compacts for all the 16 sectors in the country.

In his remarks, Mr. Mohammed Nsereko – Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Committee requested the Commission to ensure the assessment tools are explicit to enable the average Ugandan understand them. Among the queries he made was whether equity is addressed by all these sectors and whether there is equal representation from all regions. Mr. Nsereko further requested the Commission to make the tools understandable to the Equal Opportunities Committee of Parliament since they are frequently in touch with the masses.

Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo made a case that all the Parliamentary Committees are not aware of these tools and therefore urged the Commission to train them on the tools used. She said this would give the Members of Parliament an opportunity to identify the existing loopholes in the Budget Framework papers and Ministerial Policy Statements.

In response to the issues raised, Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi took the Hon. Speaker through the objectives of the assessments, the assessment approach and grading, the compliance level of all sectors to concerns of Gender and Equity. Out of the 13 assessed sectors, 10 scored at least 50% and these are recommended to be issued with a certificate of compliance with Gender and Equity for the Financial Year 2017/2018. These include the Social Development sector, Health, Security, Education, Water and environment, Public Administration, ICT, Tourism, Trade and Industry, Agriculture, Works and Transport.

Sectors which scored below the pass mark include Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Energy and Mineral Development and the Accountability sector. Three sectors never submitted their Budget Framework Papers for assessment.

Ms. Sylvia requested the three sectors which did not achieve the minimum qualifying score to ensure they fulfill the necessary requirements in order to be recommended to MoFPED and be issued Certificates of Gender and Equity Compliance and commended institutions whose tremendous contributions enable compilation of the Assessment Report. These include the National Task Force on Gender and Equity, Parliament of the Republic of Uganda, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, World Health Organization, Civil Society Organizations like FOWODE, Civil Service College Uganda and academic institutions.

February 21, 2017 373 views

Newer Posts

Older Posts