Introduction.
The EOC with support from the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) through Deutsche Gesellschaft fur InternationaleZusammenarbelt (GIZ) the implementing partner, is implementing a two (2) year project titled; “Institutional Support Towards strengthening the Equal Opportunities Commission to Implement Its Mandate”. Amongst the project programmes is funding the EOC Tribunal activities. The Equal Opportunities Commission organized a District Consultative / Pre-Tribunal meeting with Complainants in Wakiso to prepare them for the Tribunal hearing. The meeting was held on 8th – 9th April, 2015 at Wakiso District Local Government – District Service Commission Boardroom. The meeting attracted six (06) complainants, pursuing five (5) complaints, and was presided over by four (4) EOC staff under the guidance of the EOC Chairperson, Mrs. Rita S. Matovu.
Background.
According to section 23 of the Equal Opportunities Act 2007, the EOC in the performance of its functions under the Act has powers to receive and determine complaints relating to discrimination, marginalization or any act which undermines or impairs equal opportunities.
Under the EOC’s complaints handling procedures, it is a prerequisite that before a Tribunal session is held, there should be a pre-tribunal visit consult district and local authorities, assess the complaints lodged, meet, interview and sieve prospective witnesses, verify documents and prepare complainants for a tribunal hearing, inter alia. It is upon this background that the EOC organized the pre tribunal visit / district consultative meeting in Wakiso District.