By Patrick Opio
Senior Communications Officer
Lira University has continued to ensure compliance with the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOP) standards and requirements, says the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Judith Akello Abal.
Prof. Akello Abal says the University is set to enforce principles of equality, equity and justice by promoting equal protection and treatment for all staff and students. “At the University, we ensure fairness and social justice in access, treatment, participation and enjoyment of opportunities to staff and students,” she said.
Prof. Abal was presiding over the meeting attended by the EOP Team and the university staff at the Public Health Board Room on 21st October 2026.
The meeting being chaired by Ag. DVC(AA), Assoc. Prof. Judith Akello Abal, held at the Public Health Board Room on 21st October 2026.
On diversity, Prof. Abal reveals that Lira University is in conformity with the Constitution and recognizes the diverse needs and attributes from different individuals and groups of staff and students. “Our University team is sensitive to differences in sex, age, disability, faith, ethnicity, region, culture and choice, “she asserts.
Prof. Abal says the University Management encourages academic and non-academic staff to participate in development plans and programmes that affect them. “We promote empowerment of all staff to ensure their active participation in development processes, providing equal opportunities to enhance academic excellence by bringing varied perspectives, driving innovation, and preparing students for global workforces, “She adds.
EOP Senior Compliance Officer, Ms. Nalwadda Nagimat says 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.
Ms. Nalwadda adds 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, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion.
“Institutions should also avoid acts of discriminations based on health status, social or economic standing, political opinion or disability, “she notes.
Ms. Nalwadda reveals that EOP is mandated to take affirmative action in favour 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.
She affirms that EOP targets 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.
Those in attendance were Ag. University Secretary, Mr. Tom Atim, Ag. University Bursar, CPA. Anthony Elemu, Academic Registrar, Mr. Geoffrey Angela, Ag. Dean of Students, Mr. James Bond Opok, Senior Librarian, Dr. Andrew Ojulong, Faculty Deans, Directors, Heads of Department and Units.