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Equal Opportunities Commission ECO News and events

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT, PARLIAMENTARY BUDGET COMMITTEE MEET THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION

by Kevin June 8, 2017

The Chairperson – Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi, Member Joel Cox Ojuko and staff of the Equal Opportunities Commission met the Deputy Speaker of Parliament – Hon. Jacob Oulanya on 3rd May 2017 at the Deputy Speaker’s chambers. The purpose of the meeting was to brief him on the assessment findings of the Ministerial Policy Statements (MPSs) Financial Year 2017/2018, challenges encountered during the assessments and the recommendations made to the respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies. In response to Mrs. Ntambi’s remarks, the Deputy Speaker proposed that the issue of late submission of Ministerial Policy Statements can be addressed by involving the Commission in the development process of the Budget Framework Papers to build capacity of MDAs at that stage. He also inquired if it is better for the Commission to assess Budget Framework Papers and leave the Ministerial Policy Statements unassessed. Mrs. Ntambi handing over the Commission’s report on the compliance of Budget Framework Papers to Hon. Jacob Oulanya. Prior to the meeting, the Commission’s delegation met the Budget Committee of Parliament at Parliamentary building to brief them on the assessment findings on compliance of Ministerial Policy Statements with Gender and Equity requirements Financial Year 2017/2018 in order to keep them abreast with the Commission’s work. The meeting was attended by the Chairperson of the budget committee – Hon. Amos Lugoloobi, Hon. Felix Kulayigye, Hon. Patrick Nsamba Oshobe and many other Committee Members. Speaking in response to the Commission’s presentation, the Chairperson to the budget Committee pledged to ensure MDAs whose Ministerial Policy Statements did not meet the minimum requirements will not have their budgets approved. He requested the Commission to closely work with Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to ensure planning for Gender and Equity issues is included in the annual budget performance report to enable MDAs plan from the initial stage. The Commission was requested to address discriminatory complaints of local companies whose proprietors claim Government denies them contracts in favor of foreign investors. Due to the non-compliance of Missions abroad, it was proposed that the Commission sensitizes them on the importance of Gender and Equity planning and budgeting to enable them improve performance in FY 2018/2019. The pass mark of 50% to the responsiveness of key performance issues to Gender and Equity was said to be low. The Committee further expressed concern over the absence of females in the leadership of some Local Governments and showed interest in the team which conducts the assessment. In conclusion, the Committee pledged to take action on non-compliant institutions and make consultations with sectors to ensure the Commission’s budget allocation is boosted. Mrs. Ntambi informed the Committee that the Commission in conjuction with the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER) were conducting research on the treatment of employees among Sugar factories. She expressed the Commission’s commitment in assessing Local Governments and the private sector but it is limited by unavailability of funds. She also briefed them on the composition of the assessment team of the Budget Framework Papers and Ministerial Policy Statements.

June 8, 2017 1.1K views

THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE OF PARLIAMENT MEETS THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION (EOC) OVER RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN THE 18TH REPORT OF THE UGANDA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (UHRC)

by Kevin May 10, 2017

Basing on its observations on Uganda’s initial Report of 12th May 2016, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities made recommendations to the State among which some were assigned to the Equal Opportunities Commission in the 18th Report of the Uganda Human Rights Commission. In a bid to respond to the recommendations assigned to it, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) met the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights on 12th April 2017.

The meeting which was convened at Parliamentary building was chaired by Hon. Safia Nalule Juuko– Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee of Parliament together with other committee members including Hon. Isa Eragu, Hon. Veronica Bichetero, Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga, Hon. David Abara, Hon Moses Ayaka Atima and many others. The EOC was represented by the Chairperson – Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi and the Commissioner Education, Training, Information and Communication – Mr. Julius Kamya.

Hon. Safia Nalule Juuko keenly listening to the Chairperson’s presentation of the initiatives which the Commission has engaged in to address the recommendations

In her remarks, Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi presented the initiatives which the Commission has taken towards accomplishing the recommendations. These among others included collaboration with the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development and other disability stakeholders to fast-track the Persons with Disabilities Bill before Parliament, whose provisions comprehensively cover children with disabilities. Educating the masses on the existence of the Commission’s social justice delivery mechanism that is accessible to all who are marginalized or discriminated against – including those who are paid less in comparison with counterparts who do work of equal value. Conducting of research on the physical accessibility of Persons With Disabilities to selected public facilities to collect information on the situation of persons with disabilities. The Commission has also worked with NCD, Sight savers and other stakeholders, to conduct and appraise a study on the participation of Persons With Disabilities in the electoral processes of Uganda in a bid to Inform them on their right to vote.

In response to the Commission’s interventions presented, Hon. Safia Nalule Jjuuko recommended that the Equal Opportunities Commission identify institutions which work with ethnic minority groups to respond to some of the recommendations raised in the report. She also requested the Commission to draft laws promoting the rights of albinos because they experience multiple forms of discrimination citing an example of albino students in Moyo district who were chased out of school due to their blind state.

Other recommendations made by the Committee included the Commission ensuring those convicted of torturing Persons With Disabilities are doubly penalized since States agreed to it in the last convention against torture organized by the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights. Working closely with UNICEF to collect information on the situation and statistics of persons with disabilities in the country. Ensuring that when institutions are recruiting employees, they should be equity sensitive by catering for all groups of persons for instance by recruiting staff from each region in the country. The Commission was further requested to conduct a study to determine whether there are stateless people in the country and as well recruit more staff to roll out its mandate across the country.

In closure of the meeting, Mrs. Ntambi appreciated the remarks from the Human Rights Committee members and pledged to take into consideration all that had been recommended.

May 10, 2017 1.1K views

Media

EOC VISITS MAPEERA BAKATEYAMBA’S HOME IN NALUKOLONGO

by Kevin May 10, 2017

The Equal Opportunities Commission paid a visit to vulnerable persons of Mapeera Bakateyamba’s Home in Nalukolongo on 13th April 2017. The purpose of the visit was to inform staff and beneficiaries of the home about the Commission’s mandate and how they can use the Commission to obtain justice.

On behalf of the Commission, the charity visit was attended by Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi – Chairperson to the Commission, Mr. Julius Kamya – Commissioner Education, Training, Information and Communication, Mrs. Bernadette Nalule – Commissioner Legal Services and Investigations and other technical staff. In her remarks, the Chairperson expressed gratitude to H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda for establishing the Commission and giving it powers to ensure Ugandans access equal opportunities in the distribution of resources, social services, employment, access to justice and many other services. Against this, she assured staff and beneficiaries of Mapeera Bakateyamba’s Home that the Commission is ready to ensure they access equal opportunities and that they are included in the plans and budgets of government institutions. She informed them that the Commission’s visit was intended to hear their concerns, which would be forwarded to Government through its reports and meetings with Parliamentary committees and H.E the President of Uganda.

In his remarks, Mr. Kamya narrated the origins of the Commission – stretching as far back as the early 1990s when Uganda debated, passed and promulgated the National Constitution of 1995.

He further informed the inmates that they can still have a meaningful life after leaving the Home. As part of the visit, the Commission officials were to interact with the hosts after the meeting and requested those with complaints related to discrimination or marginalization to raise them for redress.

Sister Maria Mildred Abitegeka – the assistant home administrator thanked the Commission for fulfilling its pledge to visit the charity home. She then narrated the historical background of the home and hailed the founder – Emmanuel Cardinal Nsubuga (RIP), who established it in 1978 to provide shelter, health care and other basics to people who were injured during the war that ousted Idi Amin. She revealed that the home has thrived on donations from individuals and institutions; adding that there is no discrimination in the provision of care to the vulnerable persons at the home – all people are treated equally.

Sister Abitegeka further briefed the meeting on the different ways through which the needy persons reach the home with some being sent by police, Non-Government Organizations, religious institutions and many other channels. She explained that the administration makes research on the people sent before enrolling them on and intimated that some are not needy and the home’s administration resolves the complaints they have with their families through ADR mechanisms after which they are sent back to their homes.

She then reeled through the challenges they encounter – including inadequate variety of meals and personality differences.

“The administration and staff of the home encounter challenges including complaints from these vulnerable persons who often request for change in meals yet the home is sometimes incapacitated to provide what they want,” explained Sister Abitegeka.

Mr. Raymond Mutebi assisting a sister carry one of the vulnerable persons into a wheel chair

The Principal Education and Training Officer – Mrs. Petua Isabirye appreciated the management of Mapeera Bakateyamba’s home for hosting the Commission and sharing with them their experiences and pledged on behalf of the Commission to visit the home again.

The Commission was then led by its Chairperson to present its donations to the staff and beneficiaries of Mapeera Bakateyamba’s Home – after which they were taken around the premises.

May 10, 2017 1.1K views

Media

EOC ENTERS PARTNERSHIP WITH LASPNET TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR THE INDIGENT

by Kevin May 10, 2017

On 25th April 2017, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) entered a mutual partnership with the Legal Aid Service Provision Network (LASPNET) to explore areas of cooperation between the two institutions, especially in terms of promoting social justice for marginalized Ugandans through provision of legal aid services. The partnership was cemented with signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. LAPSNET was represented by Ms. Sylvia Namubiru Mukasa – Executive Director and the Commission by Mr. Joel Cox Ojuko – Member of the Commission. This was at the Commission’s head office in Bugolobi.

The partnership seeks to pave way for the fulfillment of the two parties’ mandates which are so much in tandem, geared towards promoting the rights of marginalized persons. Among the activities to be involved in will be sensitization of people on their legal rights, provision of legal aid, case referrals between the two institutions, sharing of relevant research findings and reports, representation of EOC’s complainants by LASPNET’s legal team, joint lobbying and advocacy for legal and policy frameworks, among other joint activities.

Member Joel Cox Ojuko expressed joy over the partnership which had come to fruition following its initiation in October 2016 and re-emphasized the Commission’s mandate of providing justice and equal opportunities to all persons. On behalf of the Commission, he pledged to ensure terms of the agreement are conformed to.

In her remarks, Ms. Sylvia Namubiru Mukasa spoke highly of the Commission and commended it for entering the partnership. She further said she was optimistic the partnership will improve the livelihoods of the indigent in society.

On behalf of the Commission, the signing was witnessed by the acting Secretary – Mr. Sunday Nicholas Olwor and the Networking and Partnership Officer – Ms. Jamidah Namuyanja witnessed on behalf of LASPNET in the presence of Mrs. Bernadette Nalule Kiiza, the Commissioner Legal Services and Investigations.

Following the signing of the Memorandum Of Understanding, Ms. Sylvia Namubiru Mukasa had a meeting with Mrs. Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi – Chairperson to the Commission during which they held talks on the appropriate measures which should be implemented to ensure the partnership is more significant.

LASPNET is a Non-Government Organization that was established to provide strategic linkages and a collaboration framework for the Legal Aid Service Providers in the country. LASPNET aims at bringing together different Legal Aid Service Providers for solidarity in strategizing, sharing lessons while minimizing duplication, capacitating them through collateral research and analysis and documenting and providing feedback on key issues regarding access to justice at national, regional and international level.

May 10, 2017 1.1K 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 1.1K 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 1.1K views

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