By KT Reporter
The Equal Opportunities Commission-Uganda (EOC-U) has launched a comprehensive investigation into allegations of ethnic discrimination in the recruitment and employment practices of Zombo District Local Government. The inquiry focuses on claims that minority ethnic communities—specifically the Lendu (also known as Ndrukpa) and Kebu—have been systematically marginalized and denied job opportunities.
Established under an Act of Parliament, the EOC is mandated to enforce Articles 32(3) and 32(4) of the Constitution of Uganda. The Commission works to eliminate discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, age, religion, political opinion, health status, and other grounds, and promotes affirmative action for marginalized groups.
The Commission’s tribunal, comprising Hon. Denise Tusime, Undersecretary Prof. Sunday Nicholas Olwor, Head Legal Counsel Musama Moragi, and Commissioner Counsel Peace Anirwoth, convened its first fact-finding session at Alangi Sub-county Hall in Zombo District on Monday, May 12, 2025.
During the session, the Lendu and Kebu communities testified to deep-rooted systemic marginalization by the dominant Alur ethnic group, which they accuse of monopolizing government jobs and excluding qualified candidates from minority tribes.
Claims of Marginalization and Job Ring-Fencing
Chief Celestino Mengu of the Kebu community stated that their population of 54,000, according to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, includes many qualified but unemployed individuals, allegedly due to deliberate exclusion by Alur-dominated district leadership.
Patrick Andhama, secretary to the Chief of the Lendu, who are estimated to number 20,000, echoed similar grievances. He noted that even the few educated members of their community struggle to secure government employment within Zombo District, which is home to over 300,000 Alur.
According to community leaders, most government leadership positions—including heads of schools, health facilities, statutory bodies such as the District Public Accounts Committee, Service Commission, and Land Board—are overwhelmingly occupied by members of the Alur ethnic group.
“We are asking for affirmative action,” Chief Mengu urged during cross-examination by Head Legal Counsel Moragi. “Our communities must be represented in positions of influence and service delivery.”
District Officials Grilled
The Commission cross-examined key Zombo District officials including Principal Assistant CAO Kumakech Ephraim, Principal Human Resource Officer Peter Munguaciel Angala, Assistant DHO Dr. Mark Bramali Boney, Senior Community Development Officer Walter Ongiera, Clerk to Council Charles Jakech, and outgoing District Education Officer Nicholas Odeba.
Officials were required to provide detailed responses on issues including recruitment criteria, the composition of statutory bodies, affirmative action plans, and ethnic diversity among district employees. Some officials appeared stunned by the intense grilling, as the Commission pressed for data on tribal representation and transparency in hiring processes.
Commission Demands Action
In its preliminary recommendations, the Commission directed the Chief Administrative Officer’s office to submit a comprehensive list of all district employees categorized by tribe and ethnicity, along with similar data for members of statutory bodies. It also requested 10 certified copies of the district’s affirmative action plans, all approved by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
“It’s our prayer that these documents reach our Secretariat by Monday, May 19, 2025,” said Moragi. “Failure to do so will constitute contempt of court.” Prof. Olwor warned that the Commission would not tolerate impunity or delay, while Hon. Tusime emphasized that the Commission’s presence aimed to ensure inclusive governance and equal access to public opportunities.
Background on the Lendu (Ndrukpa) and Kebu Communities
The Lendu, also known as the Ndrukpa, are a marginalized ethnic group based in northwestern Zombo District in Uganda’s West Nile region. According to research by Dr. Agatha Alidri of Gulu University, the Ndrukpa speak the Ndrulo language and are of Sudanic origin, with migration roots tracing back to present-day Egypt.
The majority of Lendu live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Kebu belong to the Nilotic ethnic group, originating from the Middle East and migrating through Ethiopia and South Sudan before settling in Uganda’s West Nile region. Economically, the Kebu are both agriculturalists and ironsmiths, contributing to Zombo District’s status as a food basket in the region.
Despite their historical roots and economic significance, both communities allege persistent marginalization and are calling for meaningful inclusion in public service and leadership-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
