Buikwe residents urged to break silence on discrimination, segregation

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Residents of Buikwe district have been urged to promptly report all forms of segregation and discrimination to the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) to enable victims to access justice and protection of their rights.

Officials from the commission noted that many vulnerable groups, including women, persons with disabilities, older persons, children and minority communities, continue to face discrimination in accessing education, health services, employment opportunities and leadership positions.

They explained that cases of segregation and discrimination often go unreported due to fear, ignorance of the law and lack of information on where victims can seek help.

The call was made on May 26, 2026, during a community engagement at Mukatimba village, Kiyindi landing site. The meeting, organised by the commission, was aimed at sensitising local leaders and residents on equal rights, inclusion and access to government services.

Frank Batumbya, the head of audit at the commission, while speaking during the meeting, encouraged residents to speak out whenever they witness or experience unfair treatment based on gender, tribe, disability, age, religion or social status.

He warned parents with children living with disabilities against hiding them from communities, urging them instead to enrol the children in school and help them access better medical services. He urged leaders to report such cases to help protect the rights of these children.

Batumbya said reporting such cases would help government institutions investigate and ensure justice is served while promoting equality in communities.

He further warned leaders against denying citizens access to public services and government programmes on grounds of political affiliation, disability or social background.

Yusuf Muziransa, the principal information and communications officer of the commission, sensitised participants about the constitutional mandate of the commission in eliminating discrimination and marginalisation in Uganda.

He explained that the commission has the mandate to investigate and prosecute cases reported by people seeking justice, adding that decisions can only be appealed in the High Court.

He said appellants do not pay legal fees for cases reported to the commission, as all services are free until a case is disposed of.

He cited the example of a young pupil who was denied admission to the boarding section of a school because of her albinism, which greatly affected both the girl and her family.

“This young girl studied from a particular school, and when she reached Primary Five for admission into the boarding section, she was denied the chance. We called the school administration, and after getting views from each side, the girl got justice and an award of sh360m for discrimination,” he noted.

In another case, he cited a widow whose husband died in a sauna in Kampala and whose relatives later grabbed her property. However, after she reported the matter to the commission and investigations were carried out, she recovered all her property.

Community members welcomed the initiative, saying many people, especially in rural areas, suffer silently after facing discrimination in schools, workplaces and public offices.

During the meeting, a total of 14 cases seeking justice were registered by lawyers from the commission.

Stella Nabatanzi, a resident and mother of four, appealed to the government to strengthen awareness campaigns at village level so that people can better understand their rights and the available channels for reporting abuses.

Local leaders pledged to work closely with the commission to promote unity, peaceful coexistence and equal access to opportunities among all residents in the district.

The meeting forms part of the commission’s ongoing nationwide campaign aimed at promoting inclusiveness, fairness and protection of human rights across the country.