EOC audits universities on equal access

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has launched an inspection of 10 public universities across Uganda to establish their compliance with equal opportunities laws, affirmative action policies and accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.

The exercise, which started last week and ends this week, seeks to establish whether universities provide an inclusive learning environment for women, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, orphans and other vulnerable groups.

The institutions being assessed include Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Gulu University, Muni University, Kabale University, Lira University, Soroti University, Makerere University Business School and Busitema University.

Mr Kalyango Moses, a Principal Compliance Officer at the EOC who is leading the exercise on behalf of the Commission, said the inspections would establish whether universities were translating their equal opportunities commitments into practical measures that benefit all students and staff.

“The purpose is to establish the extent to which these institutions are complying with equal opportunities and affirmative action requirements. We are looking beyond policies and reports to verify what is actually happening on the ground,” Kalyango said.

The inspections are assessing physical infrastructure, including lecture halls, laboratories, hostels, sanitation facilities and emergency exits, to determine whether they are accessible and safe for persons with disabilities.

The Commission is also examining the availability of functional ramps, lifts, tactile paths, assistive learning technologies, specialised instructional materials and support staff for students with disabilities.

Other areas under scrutiny include affirmative action in student admissions, staff recruitment, governance and financial assistance to disadvantaged learners.

The exercise will further assess whether university curricula, training programmes and community outreach initiatives address cross-cutting issues such as gender and equity, maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, climate change and the needs of older persons.

According to Mr Yusuf Muziransa, the EOC Principal Information and Communications Officer, equitable access to higher education is essential for developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting Uganda’s economic transformation.

“Universities must ensure that all Ugandans have a fair opportunity to access education, participate fully and benefit from the learning environment. Removing barriers to higher education is important in building an inclusive economy,” Muziransa said.

The exercise comes amid government requirements for gender and equity compliance under the Public Finance Management Act.

Established under Article 32 of the Constitution and operationalised by the Equal Opportunities Commission Act, 2007, the EOC is mandated to eliminate discrimination and marginalisation and promote equal opportunities for all Ugandans.