MAKERERE – A report on Sexual Harassment at Makerere University has called for the installation of Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) in order to curb sexual harassment that has ravaged the institution.
The new report was unveiled on Monday at the University after the Committee instituted by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangye in March, finished its work and confirmed that rampant cases of sexual harassment at the institution do exist.
The Committee led by Prof. Sylvia Tamale also comprised of Professors Consolata Kabonesa, Christopher Mbazira , Betty Ezati and Aaron Mushengyezi.
Among the Committee’s terms of reference, the team was to investigate the causes of increasing cases of sexual harassment at the university as well as review the Makerere University Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment and make recommendations for its improvement.
In the Committee’s recommendations to the University, the team called for the installation of CCTV Cameras, arguing that the physical infrastructure and organisational environment at Makerere University is highly conducive to serial sexual harassment.
According to the Committee, most buildings on campus do not have 24-hour security or surveillance cameras adding that although street lighting on campus has improved tremendously, there are still several dark spots along walkways.
The Committee pointed out sections like Mary Stuart Road between CEDAT and Lumumba Hall that has no functioning lights and West Road is totally dark.
As if that isn’t enough, the Committee highlighted that the university boundaries are extremely porous and all types of people enter campus unchecked, yet the majority of students stay off campus and many live in hostels outside the main campus.
“The university does not provide any security for such students, such as a night-time escort service, leaving them vulnerable to sexual assaults. Although there is a police station on the main campus, there is no regular security patrol on the campus grounds. A safe and secure environment on campus would go a long way in reducing incidents of sexual harassment and abuse,” the report highlighted.
The Committee recommended: “Install CCTV cameras in strategic places around campus, particularly inside university buildings, and provide adequate lighting throughout the campus.”
