Uganda is the first country in Africa to have established an Equal Opportunities Commission that has been empowered to undertake its own investigations and prosecution of discriminatory practices while enforcing affirmative action in Uganda.

The commission has been officially inaugurated at its offices in Bugolobi. The Uganda Equal Opportunities Commission will be chaired by Mrs. Rita Matovu and constitutes of three members who include Mrs, Malole Zaminah, Mrs. Erinah Baingana and Mr. Wafula Sirabo.

Article 32(3) of the constitution mandates and obligates the state to eliminate any form of discrimination against individuals or groups on grounds of sex, age or ethnic background.

The Equal Opportunities Commission which falls under the Prime Minister’s Office will hear and rule on all petitions and complaints relating to failure to avail equal opportunities to a Ugandan.

Justice James Ogoola

The Principal Judge, Justice  James Ogoola who swore in the commission says that the establishment of this Equal opportunities commission will go a long way in assisting the government achieve its constitutional obligation of eliminating any form of discrimination against certain individuals or groups of people on grounds of sex, age, ethnic or racial background.

Ogoola says however that is only if the commission implements the principles for which it was formed and is expected to adhere to that Ugandans will benefit from equal opportunities.

This is a follow up move to the passing of the Equal Opportunities Bill in Uganda’s Parliament which has a major goal of fighting discrimination in the country. President Youweri Museveni duly assented to the bill now the Uganda Equal Opportunities Act, making it part of the laws of Uganda.

By Zacharia Tiberindwa, Ultimate Media