Following the increased cases of Sexual Harassment at Makerere University, a five-member committee chaired by Professor Sylvia Tamale was instituted to investigate the matter. The committee discovered a number of sexual harassment causes and suggested various suggestions to eliminate this growing vice out of Uganda’s biggest public University.
Among the recommendations made, the committee suggested the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in strategic places around campus, particularly inside university buildings, as well as providing adequate lighting throughout the campus premises.
According to the sexual harassment report handed over to Makerere’s vice chancellor a few days ago, the CCTV cameras will help victims to provide sufficient evidence while reporting their sex offenders. Having this system in place, the victims will be able to provide a pre-recorded video supporting their cases.
Among other recommendations, the committee also suggested allowing submission of anonymous complaints as well as providing resources to the University Counselling and Guiding Centre (UCGC) and the University Hospital so that they can effectively support victims of sexual abuse.
If found guilty, the sex offenders will be forced to pay a penalty of up to two years salary compensation to their victims in addition to the maximum penalty of dismissal or expulsion of rapists and repeated violators.
