Makerere University has initiated disciplinary action against a student in the School of Law, suspending a student for involvement in a sexual harassment case. This was announced by Annie Maria Adikin, President of the Makerere Law Society, in a letter addressed to the law fraternity.
Adikin said the university had suspended at least one student for sexually assaulting another student; this, to her, was a sure way to affirm the commitment of the university to observe a safe, respectful, and inclusive academic environment for all students. She said she was deeply concerned about the rise of sexual harassment cases within the School of Law, most of them reportedly unmentioned.
“We stand together through our commitment to the highest standards of good conduct and making an academic community safe and inclusive for every member. We are very perturbed by the wave of sexual harassment and violence that has gone unreported at Makerere School of Law,” said Adikin in her letter.
She also reiterated the zero-tolerance stance of the Makerere Law Society toward sexual violence and harassment, adding that any form of harassment—whether against women or men—is a serious dent on the core values of the society. It hopes to foster an academic environment in which all of its members feel respected, safe, and valued.
This suspension comes as there are ongoing investigations into multiple claims of sexual harassment at the university, for which several male students stand accused of committing the misconduct.
According to the Makerere University Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment revised in 2018, one found guilty of sexual harassment is put through a disciplinary committee. Depending on the degree of the offense, the penalties could be:
- A written warning,
- Counseling,
- A restraining order,
- An apology to the victim,
- Compensation to the aggrieved party,
- Fines of up to two years’ salary,
- Suspension,
- Demotion,
- Dismissal, and
- Criminal investigation and prosecution.
Meanwhile, with further investigations, the Makerere Law Society promises not to let sexual misconduct be swept under the rug but to show it will not be welcome on campus. This move marks one of the most important steps in keeping the academic atmosphere safe and respectful for all students studying at Makerere University.
