A baseline study by a Makerere University researcher has estimated that 8,679 out of 39,452 students at Kyambogo University have experienced or are currently experiencing sexual violence.
The study, conducted by Dr Anna Ninsiima of the School of Women and Gender Studies at Makerere University, identifies Kyambogo as the most affected institution covered in the research. However, the findings show that sexual violence remains a wider problem across higher institutions of learning.
The findings were presented during a dialogue involving university leaders on sexual harassment and gender-based violence against women and girls.
Experts, policymakers and student leaders warned that many students continue to face abuse despite existing laws and institutional policies.
Kyambogo says mechanisms exist
Prof Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya, the vice chancellor of Kyambogo University, said the institution has structures to address sexual harassment.
However, he said the university is still developing a standalone policy on the matter.
“We have a human resource manual, which stipulates how staff should behave. We have a gender-mainstreaming policy, which also talks about sexual harassment,” he said.
Prof Katunguka said the university also has disciplinary procedures for staff found guilty of misconduct.
“We have a system of tracking and punishing those who are involved in these practices. In our human resource manual, it is explicit,” he said.
Students with disabilities face heightened risks
Dr Ninsiima said the study also exposed the vulnerability of students with disabilities.
According to her, one in five female students with hearing impairments at Makerere University’s College of Health Sciences experienced sexual assault or rape within a single year.
She said such cases show how students who rely on lecturers, supervisors or administrators for academic support can face increased risk.
Dr Ninsiima noted that Uganda has made progress in developing legal and policy frameworks against sexual harassment. However, she said implementation remains weak.
“We have policies, laws and institutional guidelines, but the missing link lies in deep-seated patriarchal norms that continue to normalise sexual harassment and view women’s bodies as objects for men’s gratification,” she said.
She explained that sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, inappropriate comments, sexual jokes, cyber harassment, unwanted touches and sexual assault.
Dr Ninsiima warned that the effects go beyond individual survivors. She said sexual violence can affect academic performance, mental health and student retention.
“Survivors suffer trauma, depression, anxiety and stress. Some contract sexually transmitted infections, while others abandon their education altogether,” she said.
Victims fear retaliation, EOC says
Mr Nicholas Olwor, the undersecretary at the Equal Opportunities Commission, said many victims fear retaliation and victimisation when they report abuse.
He said some fear losing jobs, academic opportunities or institutional support.
“No one begins from a position of power. People fear losing their jobs or opportunities. Once you blow the whistle, the whistle can be blown against you,” Olwor said.
Mr Olwor said some complainants withdraw before formal investigations begin.
“Some students expressed willingness to report cases, but when the formal process was about to start, they disappeared. We do not know whether they were intimidated, silenced, bribed or simply lost confidence in the system,” he said.
He called for stronger evidence-gathering systems and confidential reporting channels. He also said institutions need hotlines, mobile applications and survivor-centred support services.
“As EOC, we plan to decentralise our services to regional offices to make justice more accessible to victims across the country,” he said.
Student leader shares harassment experience
Ms Rosemary Angeango, a student leader at Gulu University, said she decided to speak publicly after experiencing repeated harassment from lecturers.
“I was a victim of verbal harassment. A lecturer came into class and made comments about my appearance in front of other students,” Ms Angeango said.
“He told me your lips are so hot and look sweet. I feel like kissing them.”
She said the comments embarrassed and humiliated her.
“I immediately told him not to continue making such comments about me,” she recalled.
Ms Angeango said many students face similar experiences, but few report them formally.
“There are staff members whose names repeatedly come up whenever students discuss misconduct. Students know them, administrators know them, but action is never taken,” she said.
The study is being shared with various universities in the hope that institutions will take stronger action to end sexual harassment and gender-based violence in higher education.