Unwelcomed 'I Love You' can be considered sexual harassment, Chief Magistrate warns

Using unwelcoming language, whether written or verbal, that is sexual in nature can land you in serious trouble. According to the Oyam District Chief Magistrate, Mr Benson Semondo, such comments or remarks constitute sexual harassment.

Mr Semondo emphasised that sexual harassment is a significant obstacle to girl child education. He explained that there are various forms of sexual harassment, including unwelcomed comments, unwanted touch, and solicitation of sexual favours. He warned that even saying "I love you" without consent could be considered an offence.

"The young girls of Oyam, if you're using languages written or verbal; comments of sexual nature which are unwelcoming, they're sexual harassment," he said.

He was talking to students of Everest, Atapara and Acaba secondary schools in Oyam District who had visited his court on Tuesday.

The Chief Magistrate advised female students to report any instances of sexual harassment to the nearest authority for possible prosecution. He assured them that his court would provide adequate justice, stating, "I have no bad record in the judiciary... When you appear before my court, it is the court of justice."

Mr Semondo added, "If it is your teacher, if it is your guardian, if it is your colleague doing any of these to you, report because that is a devil and that is a hindrance to your work."

He also shared his personal experiences and values that have aided his career as a magistrate. Semondo said, "I have kept myself very pure and strict within the law, and I'm very proud of myself that I've been in the Judiciary for almost 30 years but I've not been corrupt."

The visit to the Oyam Magistrate's Court was organised by the Foundation for Inclusive Community Help (FICH), a grassroots organisation that supports girl child education.

The organisation's programme manager in charge of education, Ms Victoria Harriet Anyango, said the visit aimed to educate the girls about the court's mandate, jurisdiction, and role in protecting their rights.

"It was also to expose the girls to an experience of the court, help them realise or draw their inspirations/dreams and learn about the personal experiences of the magistrate, how he became the magistrate and what values aided his career to date," Anyango said.

The organization works with various stakeholders, including schools, communities, and government agencies, to create a supportive environment for girl child education.