Draft:EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION

= EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION. = The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is a constitutional body established by Article 32 (3) of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda as Amended and Section 2 of the Equal Opportunities Commission Act, 2007 to eliminate discrimination and inequalities against any individual or group of persons and take affirmative action in favor of groups marginalized for the purpose of redressing imbalances.

LOCATION AND ADDRESS.
The headquarters of the commission are at Kingdom Kampala, first floor Nile Avenue Plot 31A. P.O.BOX, 27672, Kampala. Telephone: 0414223234, 0414223253 or toll free help line 0800100440, Website: www.eoc.go.ug.

OVERVIEW.
The Equal Opportunities Commission is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament to effectuate Article 32(3) and Article 32 (4) of the Constitution of Uganda. The Equal Opportunities Commission is mandated to eliminate discrimination and inequalities against any individual or group of persons on the ground of sex, age, race, color, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, health status, social or economic standing, political opinion or disability, and take affirmative action in favor of groups marginalized on the basis of gender, age, disability or any other reason created by history, tradition or custom for the purpose of redressing imbalances which exist against them, and to provide for other related matters.

Articles 32(3) and 32(4) of the 1995 Uganda Constitution provide as follows:

Article 32(3): Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, the State shall take affirmative action in favor of groups marginalized on the basis of gender, age, disability or any other reason created by history, tradition or custom, for the purpose of redressing imbalances which exist against them.

Article 32(4): Parliament shall make relevant laws, including laws for the establishment of an Equal Opportunities Commission, for the purpose of giving full effect to clause (1) of this article.

In compliance with the aforesaid constitutional provisions, the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda enacted the Equal Opportunities Commission Act, 2007.

On July 6th 2010, the then Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Hon. Gabriel Opio presented four members for swearing in and they took their oaths before the then Principal Judge His Lordship James Ogoola. The Equal Opportunities Commission was inaugurated on 8th July 2010.

MISSION
To give effect to the state’s mandate to eliminate discrimination against any individual or groups of persons through taking affirmative action to redress imbalances and promote equal opportunities for all in all spheres of life.

VISION
A just and fair society where all persons have equal opportunity to participate and benefit in all spheres of political, economic, social and cultural life.

Equality
The EOC as stipulated in the Equal Opportunities Act, 2007, and in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, Article 21, aims at promoting equal protection and treatment for all in all spheres of life.

Equity
The Equity principle is about just and fair practices. EOC will therefore ensure fairness and social justice in access, treatment, participation and enjoyment of opportunities.

Justice
The EOC treats all people justly and fairly to enhance their opportunities.

Integrity
Members and staff of the Commission work with honesty and truthfulness in all undertakings

Inclusion
The EOC ensures that all those discriminated / marginalized are actively and meaningfully involved in all its programs.

Respect for Human Rights
The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 2005 Art 20-58 provides for the protection and promotion of fundamental and other human rights and freedoms. The Equal Opportunities Commission recognizes and promotes these provisions.

Diversity
In conformity with the Constitution, the Act recognizes the diverse needs and attributes from different individuals and groups of people. It is sensitive to differences in sex, age, disability, faith, ethnicity, region, culture and choice.

Accountability
The EOC is accountable to its stakeholders for all its actions and decisions.

Teamwork
Members and staff of the Commission work as a united and committed team in order to achieve the EOC set goals and objectives.

Participation
This principle is in recognition of the right of people to participate in development plans and programmes that affect them. The Act upholds this principle and promotes empowerment of all persons to ensure their active participation in development processes, and in public and private practices.

Accessibility
The principle of accessibility refers to a right of access to or affordable and convenient acquisition or use of a good or service. The EOC Act seeks to enhance affordable and convenient access to services.

GOVERNANCE
The Administrative Head of the Commission is Dr. Shaft Nasser Mukwaya, Secretary to the commission.

The Commission is headed by a Chairperson and other members of the Commission. The current Chairperson is Hon. Safia Nalule Jjuko.

Hon. Joel Cox Ojuko - Vice Chairperson

Hon Sseruwagi Habiibu - Member

Hon. Sr. Mary Wasagali - Member

Hon. Tusiime Denise - Member