Journalists in Lango urged to report issues of equal opportunities objectively and inclusively
The Equal Opportunities Commission trained journalists in Lira City on Thursday to report equal opportunity issues objectively and inclusively. EOC’s Muziransa Yusuf said the Commission fights discrimination through 4 departments including legal services with High Court powers under Article 32. He cited discrimination in recruitment based on tribe, size, language, and sex, and urged media to highlight gaps like schools lacking PWD facilities. RDC Lillian Eyal and Rebecca Aceng urged journalists to use credible sources and report positively on government programs. North Kyoga PRO SP Jimmy Patrick Okema also praised Lango journalists for professionalism during elections and called for continued objectivity.
Regina Lalam Olal
Journalists in Lira City have been urged to report issues of equal opportunities objectively and inclusively in order to amplify advocacy for marginalized groups. The call was made during a joint interactive engagement organized by the Equal Opportunities Commission - EOC on Thursday this week. The meeting brought together media practitioners from Lira City and the wider Lango Sub-region. Muziransa Yusuf, Principal Communications Officer at EOC, explained that the Commission was established to fight discrimination and marginalization, and to support affirmative action for vulnerable groups. Muziranas said EOC executes its mandate through key departments: 1. Information, Education, Training and Communication - to sensitize the public . 2. Research, Monitoring and Evaluation - to track policy impact 3. Budget Monitoring - to ensure government programs and budgets is distributed evenly 4. Legal Services and Investigation - with powers similar to the High Court under Article 32 of the Constitution. "Appeals from EOC decisions can only be made to the High Court" said Muziransa Yusuf, Principal Communications Officer Yusuf cited examples of discrimination that used to occur, during recruitment processes based on tribe, body size, language, or sex. He noted that many Ugandans are unaware of EOC because the Commission often works through other government agencies.
Muziranas Yusuf Communication officer EOC
Call for Inclusive Reporting on Government Programs . Journalists were asked to understand government programs and report positively, with inclusion at the center. Yusuf said good reporting and follow-up can amplify advocacy, citing schools in Lira and across the country that still lack facilities friendly to Persons with Disabilities.
Lillian Eyal, RDC Lira District, advised journalists to use Heads of Departments and technical experts as sources for balanced and credible reporting. She urged media to embrace and promote government programs, warning that hesitation makes other regions move ahead. She cited coffee farming as an example where other areas adopted it early while Lango delayed.
Lillian Eyal RDC Lira District
Rebecca Aceng, Principal Town Clerk Lira City, assured journalists of government’s willingness to share information on projects. She confirmed that media houses have always been included through invited representatives.
Rebecca Aceng
SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, who also attended the engagement, commended journalists in Lango for the professional work done during elections.
He said the region continues to demand fair coverage and accountability even after elections, and urged media to sustain professionalism and objectivity when reporting on governance and equal opportunities. There was also call for journalists to also be part of beneficiaries of government programs while keeping inclusion central in their reporting.
