)
)
The Government of Uganda, through the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), has ordered the immediate reinstatement of Namukisa Sarah, a final-year student at the Medical Laboratory Training School in Jinja, who was controversially suspended due to her pregnancy.
In a ruling issued on June 11, 2025, the EOC intervened after the Uganda Law Society (ULS) filed a formal complaint, alleging that the suspension violated Namukisa’s constitutional rights to education and freedom from discrimination.
The decision to expel her had meant she would miss her final exams, scheduled for June 13, 2025.
This ruling comes after widespread public outcry, particularly on social media, where many condemned the school for its discriminatory actions.
)
)
)
The decision was criticised for unfairly penalising Namukisa for her pregnancy, a move seen by many as incompatible with Uganda’s constitutional provisions on equality and non-discrimination.
Medical Laboratory Training School in Jinja
Legal and Public Backlash
The ULS, led by Vice President Anthony Asiimwe, formally raised the issue with the EOC, citing violations of Articles 21 and 30 of Uganda's Constitution, which guarantee equality, non-discrimination, and the right to education for all Ugandans.
The society argued that the school’s action infringed upon Namukisa’s right to complete her education, regardless of her health status.
Following a thorough review of the situation, the EOC determined that the school's regulations were inconsistent with national legal standards.
The EOC noted that such discriminatory practices could not be justified, especially considering the principles enshrined in the Equal Opportunities Commission Act, which empowers the Commission to investigate and intervene in cases of discrimination.
EOC's Injunction and Immediate Impact
The EOC’s injunction, which took effect immediately, orders the Medical Laboratory Training School to allow Namukisa Sarah to sit for her final exams without any further discrimination based on her pregnancy.
The ruling also prohibits the school from implementing any punitive measures against her until the matter is fully investigated.