The Directorate of CID in coordination with CID KMP, have instituted inquiries, into an incident of physical assault and harassment of a female University student by her lecturer, identified as Dr. Benard Wandera, of the College of Humanities and Social sciences, which occurred on the 18.11.2022, during his lecture in the Frank-Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility.
As police, we do 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.
We are happy that the University took administrative action, through the immediate suspension of the lecturer and the composition of an investigative committee to probe into the 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 employee community.
We also want to use this opportunity to call upon any university or college student, who has experienced any forms of abusive behavior, physical misconduct, sexual misconduct or any other form of inappropriate behavior, by a lecturer, university or college staff or fellow student, that the Directorate of CID, through its various departments of SGBV and General Crimes, provide a range of support for victimized students to get justice.
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 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, human dignity and an environment where everyone, can thrive in their academic, professional and personal pursuits. In addition, it will prohibit abusive Lecturers, Professors and other staff from finding new jobs in other Universities.
SCP Enanga Fred
Police Spokesperson
21st November 2022
