Foreword.
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is a body corporate established by the Equal Opportunities Act of 2007 in accordance with Article 32(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. The EOC was set up to give effect to the State’s constitutional mandate to eliminate discrimination and inequalities against any individual or group of persons on the ground of sex, age, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, health status, social or economic standing, political opinion or disability. Among others, the Commission enforces compliance with legislation, affirmative action and inclusion in all Programmes by all on the basis of equal opportunities.
The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995) provides for the rights of all its citizens including PWDs for equal access to public services and participation in the development process of the country, including accessing public and private facilities. In the same vein, relevant policies for example the National Policy on Disability have also been put in place to protect the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in order to be included in the social, economic and political development processes.
In fulfillment of Article 32(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995) as amended, Section (14) & (15) of the Equal Opportunities Commission Act 2007, the Building Control Act and Sub Section 4.1 of the National Development Plan II (2015/2016-2019/2020), the Commission conducted an audit on physical accessibility to selected public facilities in Kampala. These included Kampala Capital City Authority, Centenary Rural Development Bank Ltd-Mapeera House, The High Court in Kampala, Kiruddu Health Centre IV in Makindye and the Parliamentary building of the Republic of Uganda.
This initiative is aimed at promoting the observance of equal opportunities for vulnerable Persons, especially Persons with disabilities, older persons, little persons, children and pregnant women in accessing and benefiting from public places, utilities and services without any barriers.
It is our hope that the recommendations of this audit will be followed up by the respective Institutions to ensure a just, free and fair society wherein all persons have equal opportunity to participate and benefit from all spheres of life.
For God and My Country.
Sylvia Muwebwa Ntambi (Mrs.)
Chairperson of the Commission.