A recent case at Makerere University School of Law in Uganda has caught the attention of the police.
A male student has been accused of sending love messages to another male student, prompting an investigation into the matter. The incident highlights the complexities surrounding sexual harassment and the challenges faced by victims in reporting such cases.
The case was reported by Mr Karungi Lawrence, a third-year student of Bachelor of Commerce, at Mbalala police in Mukono District. Mr Karungi alleged that he encountered the suspect while visiting a friend in a hostel near Makerere University. The suspect, whose interest in Mr Karungi was unknown to him at the time, began sending love messages and attempting to seduce him on WhatsApp. Despite Mr Karungi's clear disinterest, the suspect persisted in sending these messages, prompting him to report the matter to the police.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Mr Patrick Onyango, confirmed that Mr Karungi had submitted all the WhatsApp messages as evidence. The police intend to summon the suspect to record his statement and will analyze the messages and the suspect's phone with the help of their ICT experts. The investigation aims to establish the facts of the case and determine appropriate legal action.
The suspect denies knowing Mr Karungi and claims that these allegations are part of a smear campaign against him as a human rights defender. He suggests that anti-gay campaigners and the government are behind these accusations.
Dr Euzobia Mugisha Baine, the head of Gender Mainstreaming Directorate at Makerere University, stated that while she has received verbal complaints from male students in the past, no formal complaint of a homosexual or lesbian nature has been filed. She acknowledges that cases of sexual misconduct are often underreported due to stigma and fear of retaliation from powerful perpetrators. The university handles such cases within the framework of its sexual harassment policy.
Homosexual acts are already illegal in Uganda, and a recent law signed by President Museveni imposes life imprisonment for those convicted. The law also includes the death penalty for aggravated cases, such as engaging in gay sex with a minor or with someone infected with a life-long illness like HIV/AIDS.
The case of alleged love messages between male students at Makerere University highlights the importance of addressing sexual harassment and misconduct within educational institutions. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by victims in reporting such incidents due to stigma and fear of retaliation. The ongoing police investigation will hopefully provide clarity and justice for all parties involved, while also contributing to a safer and more inclusive environment for students.
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