Kyambogo University has fired Dr. Lawrence Eron, the former Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, following serious allegations of defiling a 16-year-old visually impaired girl. The 56-year-old academic was last month remanded to Luzira Prison by the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court on charges of aggravated defilement.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eli Katunguka, announced the same while addressing a press conference, saying the decision to dismiss Dr. Eron was reached during the 196th meeting of the Appointments Board Disciplinary Committee on 24th July. In explanation, Prof. Katunguka said that the committee found sufficient evidence of misconduct against Dr. Eron involving the following:
Damage on the University’s Reputation: The allegations brought massive dent on Kyambogo University.
Willful Insubordination: Dr. Eron’s acts were held to be mala fide to the authority of the university.
Absconding from Duty: Dr. Eron did not appear before the probe committee, on being summoned, upon which an ex-parte decision was given.
Disciplinary Process
The disciplinary proceedings began in May following the disappearance of Dr. Eron in April, the same time a probe committee was instituted into the allegations. Dr. Eron failed to appear before the board despite several attempts to reach him, hence forcing the disciplinary committee to reach a decision in his absence.
Prof. Katunguka has clearly said that Dr. Eron will not be reinstated, irrespective of the verdict on his criminal case. “The university remains committed to upholding the highest levels of conduct and integrity,” Prof. Katunguka emphasized.
It is claimed that Dr. Eron did the sexual act with the victim in October 2023 at the time when he was coordinating the “All We See is Possibility” project. Fully cooperating with the investigation, Dr. Eron fled after news of his HIV status went out. He was later re-arrested and charged with aggravated defilement.
Kyambogo University has reiterated its stand on upholding good ethical standards and ensuring the safety of its community members; asserting actions to the contrary have no place within its institution.
