Kyambogo committed to lawfully resolving sexual harassment cases

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  Kyambogo University has reiterated their committment to combating sexual harassment. Their statement comes amidst pressure and threats of funding withdrawal from various donors and benefactors who accuse the university management of lacking firmness in addressing sexual harassment incidents.

Professor Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya, the Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, said that the university recently has been accused of not taking action against one of their senior staff who is accused of defiling a student who was under a donor-funded project at the university.

Professor Katunguka, says that since the case was reported the university has been taking steps to investigate the matter thoroughly as per the university human resources manual and other policies and guidelines.

Dr. Eron Lawrence, the former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration at the university, is accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old visually impaired O’level student supported by a university program named “All We See is Possibilities.”

Reports indicate that the 56-year-old senior lecturer, who also served as the dean of the Faculty of Special Needs, was reported to both the police and university management. As the investigation by the police kicked off, parents, civil society organizations, and embassies of countries supporting programs at the university called for the university to expedite its internal processes and take action against the senior lecturer.

In various forums, allegations have surfaced suggesting that Kyambogo University may be shielding the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, with staff from the faculty accused of attempting to silence the victim’s family through negotiations.

However, Katunguka maintains that while the university is eager to take decisive action, due process must be followed to ensure that even the accused is given the right to be heard during the investigation process.

He added that in many instances where Kyambogo or other institutions have rushed to take action, they have later faced legal repercussions. Instances have arisen where courts have ruled against them, ordering the payment of substantial sums of money due to failures in following due process.

Available information indicates that since November last year, a committee comprising six members was established to investigate the claims against Dr. Eron.

Arthur Katongole, the University Secretary, says that the investigations were concluded in January, and a report on the findings was submitted to him.

“The investigations find Dr Eron culpable for gross misconduct of sexual harassment, acts or omissions that damage the image and status of the university, and unprofessional or unethical conduct. it is worth noting that since the investigations commenced, Dr Eron Lawrence has never appeared and his whereabouts are unknown. He has therefore absconded from duty as well,” he noted.

Our reporter has obtained and verified information indicating that at one point, Eron corresponded with the investigation through a lawyer.

Katongole added that the matter was forwarded to the Appointments Board, which, according to the university’s Human Resource Manual, is mandated to handle such cases and provide advice on the appropriate actions to be taken accordingly.

Our reporter has established that the University Appointments Board convened on Wednesday for a session during which the matter was discussed per disciplinary rules. The University Secretary noted that the process is still ongoing, as the board needs to formally serve Lawrence with notice to appear before it to determine his fate.

“The rules stipulate that he must be served. We will take all the necessary steps to serve him, and if we fail, the board can determine the matter ex parte. But for now, given that he has not been showing up to work for months, we have stopped paying his salary effective this month (March). If he wins the matter, then we will refund,” added Katongole.

According to the Kyambogo University Human Resources Manual, charges of gross misconduct can lead to two possible punishments if someone is found guilty: retirement in the public interest, where the individual is sent away with some terminal benefits, and dismissal, where the individual leaves the university without any benefits.

The police, under the Criminal Investigation Department, have investigated the lecturer, and the Directorate of Public Prosecution has preferred charges of aggravated defilement. However, he has since jumped bail and remains at large.

Katunguka added that the university cannot interfere in the criminal proceedings or police investigation, but they are solely handling the administrative processes provided by the Human Resource Manual, Employment Act, and related laws.

He further explained that the university, whose funding has been threatened by this incident, has held meetings with their donors, especially the Dutch who support the program in which the victim was involved, and many others, to explain the bureaucracy involved and the progress made in addressing the matter.

Meanwhile, before the defilement incident, Kyambogo University was in the process of developing a sexual harassment policy. The university management is currently prioritizing its implementation, ensuring clear procedures for handling, preventing, and reporting sexual harassment cases within the university.

There were allegations of sexual harassment reported by students at the institution. In 2019, Supreme Court Justice Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza, presiding over the belated and first International Women’s Day commemoration at Kyambogo University, challenged the university management to address concerns of sexual harassment.

According to Lady Tibatemwa, investing in women and respecting their human rights is crucial for uplifting communities, companies, and countries, as well as achieving sustainable development goals.

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