Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 382
- 331
A Kampala-based school has been directed to pay school fees for a learner with albinism until the completion of their education after it was found to have unlawfully denied the learner admission into its boarding section.
The decision followed intervention by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) after the learner’s parents lodged a complaint, accusing the school of discrimination linked to the child’s condition.
According to the Commission, the learner had been enrolled at the school and progressed steadily from nursery level up to Primary Five. However, when the learner qualified to join the boarding section, the school allegedly refused to admit them as a boarder, citing beliefs associated with superstition about albinism.
The EOC spokesperson, Yusuf Muziransa, said the school justified its decision using harmful and unfounded beliefs about persons with albinism, including claims that they could “transform into lions at night and harm other learners.” He condemned these assertions, describing them as false myths that continue to fuel stigma and discrimination against persons with albinism.
Following the decision, the school reportedly informed the family that the learner could either remain a day scholar or transfer to another institution. The family, however, expressed distress over the move and proceeded to report the matter to the EOC.
The Commission subsequently investigated the complaint and engaged the school administration. The matter was later addressed during a briefing in Lira City, where the EOC confirmed that it had resolved the case in favour of the learner.
The Commission concluded that the child had already been exposed to discriminatory treatment and emotional distress. As a result, it directed that
• The school takes responsibility for the learner’s education by paying school fees until completion.
•The learner, will continue studying under this arrangement.
Police later weighed in on the matter, stating that it did not amount to a criminal offence. The North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, said that while the incident raised serious concerns about discrimination, it did not meet the threshold for criminal prosecution, noting that refusal to admit a learner into boarding facilities alone could not attract criminal charges.
The Equal Opportunities Commission maintained that the school’s actions amounted to discrimination prohibited under Uganda’s equality and disability rights framework. The Commission used the case to highlight ongoing challenges faced by persons with albinism, including stigma, exclusion, and misinformation.
Officials further warned that discrimination against children with disabilities remains a concern in several communities, with some families reportedly hiding children with disabilities or denying them access to education. They emphasized the need for stronger public awareness, inclusion, and protection of learners’ rights.
The Commission stressed that schools are obligated to uphold equality and ensure that all learners, regardless of disability, are given fair and uninterrupted access to education.
📸: Yusuf Muziransa, Equal Opportunities Commission spokesperson speaks during a media engagement in Lira City on Thursday, June 5, 2026
Source: Daily Monitor UG
The decision followed intervention by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) after the learner’s parents lodged a complaint, accusing the school of discrimination linked to the child’s condition.
According to the Commission, the learner had been enrolled at the school and progressed steadily from nursery level up to Primary Five. However, when the learner qualified to join the boarding section, the school allegedly refused to admit them as a boarder, citing beliefs associated with superstition about albinism.
The EOC spokesperson, Yusuf Muziransa, said the school justified its decision using harmful and unfounded beliefs about persons with albinism, including claims that they could “transform into lions at night and harm other learners.” He condemned these assertions, describing them as false myths that continue to fuel stigma and discrimination against persons with albinism.
Following the decision, the school reportedly informed the family that the learner could either remain a day scholar or transfer to another institution. The family, however, expressed distress over the move and proceeded to report the matter to the EOC.
The Commission subsequently investigated the complaint and engaged the school administration. The matter was later addressed during a briefing in Lira City, where the EOC confirmed that it had resolved the case in favour of the learner.
The Commission concluded that the child had already been exposed to discriminatory treatment and emotional distress. As a result, it directed that
• The school takes responsibility for the learner’s education by paying school fees until completion.
•The learner, will continue studying under this arrangement.
Police later weighed in on the matter, stating that it did not amount to a criminal offence. The North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, said that while the incident raised serious concerns about discrimination, it did not meet the threshold for criminal prosecution, noting that refusal to admit a learner into boarding facilities alone could not attract criminal charges.
The Equal Opportunities Commission maintained that the school’s actions amounted to discrimination prohibited under Uganda’s equality and disability rights framework. The Commission used the case to highlight ongoing challenges faced by persons with albinism, including stigma, exclusion, and misinformation.
Officials further warned that discrimination against children with disabilities remains a concern in several communities, with some families reportedly hiding children with disabilities or denying them access to education. They emphasized the need for stronger public awareness, inclusion, and protection of learners’ rights.
The Commission stressed that schools are obligated to uphold equality and ensure that all learners, regardless of disability, are given fair and uninterrupted access to education.
Source: Daily Monitor UG
