IMPORTANT TO NOTE.
1.WHY LODGE A COMPLAINT?
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.
2. WHO CAN LODGE A COMPLAINT?
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.
3. WHAT ARE THE CATEGORIES OF MARGINALISATION AND DISCRIMINATION?
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.
5. HOW IS A COMPLAINT LODGED?
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.
5. WHAT INFORMATION MUST BE PROVIDED TO LODGE A COMPLAINT?
- 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.
6. WHAT ARE THE LIMITS FOR FILING A COMPLAINT OF MARGINALISATION OR DISCRIMINATION?
- 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.
7. WHERE CAN A COMPLAINT BE LODGED?
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.