The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has called on the government to enforce reforms that ensure inclusive education for pregnant girls. The move aims to protect their right to learn during and after pregnancy.
Speaking at the EOC headquarters in Kampala, Vice Chairperson Joel Cox Ojuko said current policies harm girls. “These policies may appear protective, but they rob girls of their future,” he said. Mr Ojuko believes the guidelines contradict human rights and equality goals.
He emphasized that EOC must expose formal and informal practices that cause exclusion. The Commission’s visits across Uganda found that many girls dropped out because schools were hostile. Most of them did not leave by choice.
The EOC wants Parliament and the Ministry of Education to act. They should turn existing guidelines into enforceable laws with penalties for non-compliance. The changes would apply to both public and private schools.
“We must amend the Education Act to prohibit discrimination due to pregnancy or motherhood,” Mr Ojuko urged. He said the law should guarantee the right to return and finish school. Schools must also offer maternity leave and support services. These include counseling, reproductive health education, and flexible study schedules.
“This healing process takes time,” he added. “Learners should receive dignity, not punishment.”
Some education officials shared a different view. Safina Musene, Commissioner of Health Training Institutions, agreed that inclusive education for pregnant girls matters. However, she said health programs follow strict safety rules.
“Our rules protect learners and maintain training standards,” she explained. “Pregnancy creates unique challenges in such demanding settings.”
Moses Ongwalu, principal of Jinja Medical Laboratory Training School, supported her. He warned against ignoring these regulations. “Doing so could produce undertrained professionals,” he said. “These rules protect the mother, the baby, and the public.”
Despite the concerns, the EOC insists reforms must go ahead. The Commission argues that girls should not lose access to education because of pregnancy. It says societal issues often cause these pregnancies, not irresponsibility.
If passed, these reforms would align Uganda with global standards. They would also promote equality in education.
Experts say Uganda cannot achieve development without inclusive schools. The government must act quickly. Reforms must balance professional standards with the right to learn.
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