A report into a sex-for-marks scandal at Uganda’s top university has found a “shocking climate of impunity”.
A two-month investigation into sexual harassment at Makerere University, in Kampala, found many of the perpetrators were well-known to both students and staff.
But the victims were often unwilling to report harassment, fearing they would get no redress.
This, in turn, led to a culture of silence.
Professor Sylvia Tamale, who led the committee looking into the accusations, said that certain respected academics were accused of being sexual predators.
She reported how some had lured students into their offices to discuss their academic marks.
A BBC investigation published in March revealed even when cases are reported, the university system may do little to investigate and punish the perpetrators.
Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the university’s vice-chancellor, said 10 members of staff have been dismissed since 2006, when the institution’s policy on sexual harassment was enacted.
He added Makerere has absolutely zero tolerance to sexual abuse, which he referred to as one of the worst forms of degradation of human dignity.
Credit: BBC
