Makerere students relax in the Freedom Square. FILE PHOTO
Despite efforts to combat sexual harassment, Makerere University’s female students continue to suffer in silence due to fear of retaliation and shame.
According to Kicking Sexual Harassment out of Higher Education Institutions (KISH) survey findings, more than 80 percent of the 317 female students interviewed experienced at least one form of sexual harassment. But 91 percent of these victims never reported it.
Investigators, in the baseline survey conducted in 2020 at Makerere University and whose findings were released yesterday, say the fear factor is fuelled by a lack of trust in the university’s reporting mechanisms and the perception that victims will be retaliated against, leading many to internalise their experiences and suffer in silence.
The university’s policies and procedures for handling sexual harassment cases have also been criticised for being inadequate, with many students citing a lack of transparency, accountability, and support for victims, further exacerbating the fear and silence surrounding these incidents.
“The systems are not functional; they are there for formality. When you report to the authorities in the main building, the administrators never take the sexual harassment issue as severe because some of them tend to normalise the practice,” one of the female respondents is quoted to have said, adding that: “For example, if a student reported that a staff touched her bum (buttocks), they will ask her whether they have never touched her bum downtown.”
Dr Euzobia Baine Mugisha, the director for the gender mainstreaming directorate, emphasised that despite available reporting mechanisms, many victims fear consequences including retaliation.
This creates a cycle where unreported cases prevent institutional action, further eroding trust in the system.
Despite, existing university and government policies aimed at addressing the pressing sexual harassment concerns, the survey revealed that 56 percent of the harassed students were unaware of the available mechanisms for resolving the issue.
To address the issue, university officials are pushing for intensified aggressive awareness campaigns to promote a culture where everyone is responsible for speaking up.
“Every lecture should start with a brief on sexual harassment prevention. Spreading awareness through student leaders, college-based initiatives, and testimonials from victims would normalise reporting,” said Ms Joy Sserunjoji, the Makerere University students’ guild vice president.
Ms Grace Bantebya Kyomuhendo, a lecturer at the School of Women and Gender Studies and also lead researcher, said: “Sexual harassment cannot be solved in isolation. The entire system must be addressed at all levels. Engaging both men and women including male staff is critical in creating an environment free from sexual harassment.”
Spotting out relationships between lecturers or student leaders and students that create a fear of repercussions, Mr Akram Amannya, a mentee of the male students club stressed the need for a gender-transformative approach that includes men in fighting harassment.
Ms Edronah Atuhweirire, a 4th-year student pursuing Social Work, said while initiatives like KISH clubs are empowering, fear still holds many back, adding that the way forward involves continuous awareness, proactive support systems, and breaking the silence.
“Many people witness harassment but do nothing; a comprehensive overhaul of credible reporting mechanism, including the establishment of a dedicated sexual harassment office could help,” she said.
OTHER REPORTS
A 2021 report by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos) revealed that nearly one in three women aged 15 to 49 has suffered sexual harassment, highlighting a disturbing trend. The Uganda Police 2023 annual crime report further exacerbates the concern, documenting over 17,000 cases of domestic violence, with many cases involving sexual harassment
