Individuals or groups of persons can encounter unfair treatment in many aspects of their lives. Such unfair treatment might be regarded as discrimination under the equal opportunities legislation in the following examples amongst others:
- A disabled person cannot access a service in a building because, there is no ramp or accessibility for a wheelchair.
- A female colleague earns less than males doing work of equal value.
- Groups of individuals are subjected to cultural acts ,such as female genital mutilation, which impair their enjoyment of human rights.
- An older person or youth denied employment or access to services because of age.
- An individual living with HIV/AIDS is dismissed from his or her employment on the grounds of their health status.
- An expectant mother is denied a job on the basis of her pregnancy, or is denied maternity leave by her employer
Discrimination is when a person or group is unfairly or less favourably treated than others on any of the above grounds. It can happen as a result of negative attitudes or prejudice towards an individual or group of persons. Sometimes discrimination occurs as a result of social or economic barriers, political circumstances or bureaucratic requirements that make it more difficult for some people to access opportunities or services
Equal opportunities mean that everybody receives the same treatment and consideration in the enjoyment of rights and freedoms. This includes access to social services, education, employment, physical environment and participation in social, economic, cultural and political activities
Where a violation has taken place, the offending party:
- may be cautioned and directed to rectify the situation
- may be fined
- A person may be imprisoned or be both fined and imprisoned
An individual or group of people may lodge a complaint relating to discrimination, marginalization or any act which undermines or impairs equal opportunities. The complaint can be in writing or lodged verbally. The Commission will then consider or hear the complaint within a period of six months.
The Equal Opportunities Commission Act, 2007, provides for the prohibition and prevention of marginalization and discrimination. It also seeks to promote equal opportunities between persons of different status. Pursuant to this Act, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and Equal Opportunities Tribunal (EOT) were established. The function of the EOC is to work towards the elimination of discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity and affirmative action.
Any individual or group of persons who believes that some other body or person has marginalized or discriminated against him/her or a 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.
In order for a person or group of persons to be eligible to lodge a complaint to the Commission, the acts of discrimination and marginalisation MUST fall within one or more of the following categories: age, sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, health status, social or economic standing, political opinion or disability.
When lodging a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), you are required to fill out a Complaint(s) Registration Form fully which must be submitted by post, email or in person at the EOC offices or regional Centres. A complaint is deemed to be made when this form is completed and received at the EOC.
Please note that a complaint can only be processed if the form is completed in its entirety and contains all the information required and duly signed. The EOC does not act on anonymous complaints.
Individuals who have special needs and require assistance in order to lodge a complaint (e.g sign language interpreter, print materials in an accessible format, etc) should inform the office of the Secretary to the EOC so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Complaint(s) Registration Forms are available electronically at the link set out on this website or can be collected at the EOC offices or regional Centres. Plans are underway to have these forms available at district headquarters throughout the country.
- Your contact details;
- The contact details of the person or entity you are complaining against.
- A short description of the alleged discrimination or marginalisation (the event that caused the complaining party to believe that his or her rights were infringed); and the rights alleged to have been violated.
- The date(s) of the alleged act(s) of discrimination.
- Possible witnesses
- Supporting Evidence (this can be attached to the complaint(s) registration form).
- Remedies being sought.
- A complaint must be lodged with the EOC within six (6) months from the date of the alleged discrimination or Marginalisation.
- Complaints made after the six (6) month period will only be processed if exceptional circumstances caused a delay which resulted in the complaint being made outside the stipulated time period. The decision as to whether exceptional circumstances exist will be made by the EOC.
- The EOC does not handle matters pending before a court or judicial tribunal, or a matter involving the relations or dealings between the Government of Uganda and the Government of any foreign State or international organization, a matter relating to the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, and matters concerning morality.
All complaints can be submitted in person at the EOC offices, by post, email or online using the EOC website. Provided that all complaints lodged online should be followed up by submission of hard copies of the complaint(s) registration form and all documents being relied on to prove the violation
In each case, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) will examine & investigate to decide whether the treatment complained of amount to a violation of equal opportunities legislation or goes against affirmative action and then will take appropriate action.
Marginalization is a situation where a person or group of people are disadvantaged or excluded from accessing opportunities, resources or services, or from taking part in making decisions on matters concerning their lives.
Under the equal opportunities legislation it is unlawful to discriminate against any individual or group of persons on the grounds of:
Physical Address
Plot 7 Lithuli close, Bugolobi, Kampala
Postal Address :
Equal Opportunities Commission
P.O Box 27672, Kampala, Uganda
The law protects people against being victimized after they have made a complaint about discrimination or marginalization. A complaint can also be made in confidence.
Physical Address
Plot 7 Lithuli close, Bugolobi, Kampala
Postal Address :
Equal Opportunities Commission
P.O Box 27672, Kampala, Uganda
The Complainant may at any time withdraw a complaint made at the Commission by notice in writing. If the request is made verbally, the Complainant must submit the said request in writing within seven (7) days.
No. All EOC services are free of charge.
- Conciliation is an informal, quick, and cost effective way to resolve a complaint.
- The process allows the complainant and the respondent an opportunity to talk about the issues.
- It allows the parties an opportunity to resolve the matter themselves.
- Conciliation normally takes place in a face-to-face meeting.
- The conciliation process is not like a court hearing. It is not a forum for cross examination or to determine whether a breach of the law has occurred.
If the Complainant and Respondent have reached an amicable resolution this is usually written up in a ‘conciliation agreement’.
The Conciliator will help the parties draft the agreement.
If the complaint is not resolved, the Commission may request more information from the parties before making a final decision about the complaint.
If the Commission is satisfied that the complaint cannot be resolved and the Commission considers that there has been a breach of the Act, the Commission will prepare a report relating to the investigation and have the matter heard interparties.
The Commission will hear the matter and make a decision or recommendations, send a copy of the decision to the parties to the complaint and make said decision available for inspection by the public.
Under Section 29 of the EOC Act, any person aggrieved by the settlement, recommendation or an order of the Commission may appeal to the High Court within thirty (30) days.