The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has instituted inquiries into an incident of physical assault and harassment of a female student at Makerere University by her lecturer identified as Dr Benard Wandera (from the College of Humanities and Social sciences).
The incident occurred on November 18, 2022, during his lecture at the Frank-Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility.
SCP Enanga Fred, Police Spokesperson, said Monday that police take all reports of harassment seriously and will ensure the matter, which generated public debate after the video footage went viral, is thoroughly investigated and justice accorded to the victim.
“A copy of the footage has been retrieved for further analysis, the victim has also been identified and arrangements are in place to record her statement and from other witnesses,” Enanga said.
“We are happy that the University took administrative action through the immediate suspension of the lecturer and the composition of an investigation committee to alleged acts of assault, harassment and willful professional misconduct by the lecturer. The priority of the university or college should remain the protection of both its students and the employee community.”
Enanga called upon any university or college student who has experienced any form of abusive behaviour, physical misconduct, sexual misconduct or any other form of inappropriate behaviour by a lecturer, university or college staff or fellow student to report to the Directorate of CID.
He said CID, through its various departments of SGBV and General Crimes, provides a range of support for victimised students to get justice.
Sexual harassment
In a separate development, another task team from CID Headquarters has instituted inquiries into the alleged acts of sexual harassment, failure to follow examination regulations and professional negligence by Dr Nafiu Lukman Abiodun, the Head of the Department of Economics and Statistics at the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences at Kabale University.
“We strongly believe tough sanctions against abusive lecturers, will provide a campus environment that is full of respect, and human dignity and an environment where everyone, can thrive in their academic, professional and personal pursuits,” Enanga said.
He added: “In addition, it will prohibit abusive Lecturers, Professors and other staff from finding new jobs in other Universities.”