Student Union
Uganda's Makerere University Acts to Stop Sex Harassment
Uganda's Makerere University plans to install closed-circuit television cameras around the campus after multiple claims of sexual harassment and assault, allegedly by teachers.
Over the past several years, instructors have been accused of luring female students to private meeting so often in closed rooms — to discuss their allegedly low grades. In some cases, the instructors are accused of offering the students better grades in exchange for sex.
The Makerere University Report on the Investigation of Sexual Harassment cited a "culture of impunity that surrounds sexual harassment and rape at the university thus allows for the vice to thrive."
This has frustrated students, especially women who sometimes prefer to keep silent about incidents of sexual harassment.
Lizel Muwaya is a second-year journalism and communication student at Makerere University.
She said several students have not reported sexual harassment cases because they are poorly handled by the university authorities.
"The lecturers that are doing this, that have been reported, why aren't they being acted upon? They are tarnishing the images of other lecturers. I believe that we still have good lecturers in this university because I have seen them much as we also have those predators," Muwaya said. "But it is up to the university authorities to make sure they are dealing with these cases but they have decided to ignore them."
Makerere University has an anti-sexual harassment policy that mandates tough punishments for perpetrators. They include suspension, demotion, a written warning, and the ordering of a public apology or compensation to the aggrieved student.
However, some students says the long-standing policy has not been implemented to prevent harassment or hold the perpetrators accountable.
The university created a committee to investigate the claims and suggest reforms. After a four-month probe, the committee released its findings this week.
The panel recommended that video cameras be strategically placed to monitor meetings between professors and students. It also urged the institution review its record-keeping systems to verify grades.
The committee has given the university council one year to ensure the cameras are installed and that adequate lighting is provided throughout the campus.
University Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe, a professor, said closed-circuit television (CCTV) "cameras are good and we have a program of installing them. It is something we intend to do. But I don't think that CCTV cameras by themselves will stop the vice. I think the most important thing is to have a zero tolerance policy and to enforce it."
Phiona Kokoi, a student representative at the university, said she is optimistic the cameras will help end impunity by filming any physical harassment by lecturers against young women.
"I happened to move into so many offices of the lecturers and I didn't see any cameras there," Kokoi said. "So probably if the university can make sure that we have cameras in each and every office of the lecturers, that will provide some evidence."
Florence Nakazi, another student, said she wants cameras placed in every room where students and lecturers discuss grades. She suggests a central place to hold all discussions about grades and schoolwork.
See all News Updates of the Day
Judge upholds racial considerations in US Naval Academy admissions
Although the U.S. Supreme Court last year decided that civilian colleges and universities could not consider race or ethnicity in admissions, a judge ruled that the U.S. Naval Academy had established a national security interest in a diverse officer corps.
That means the academy – and other military service academies – can continue to consider race. A similar policy at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point has also been challenged, but that case has not yet gone to trial, according to a report in Navy Times. (December 2024)
Harvard recommends gap year as a strategic move
While some students and parents see the gap year as a waste of time, others see the break in academic studies as valuable for developing maturity, earning money or focusing goals.
MSN.com explains some of the reasons why Harvard – and other prestigious schools in the United States – are recommending that students take a gap year. (December 2024)
Student dilemma: Financial aid applications can expose undocumented parents
Many students in the U.S. rely on financial aid to attend colleges and universities, but as Julia Barajas reports in LAist.com, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid could cause a dilemma for students with an undocumented parent.
If students fill out the application, they will share their parents’ financial information – and potentially raise questions about their immigration status -- with the federal government. If they don’t fill out the application, they won’t get federal financial aid. (December 2024)
FDA: College students using ‘honey packets’ to enhance sex put themselves at risk
With TikTok videos promoting “honey packets,” the supplements marketed as sexual enhancements have become popular on college campuses.
But as Charles Trepany reports in USA Today, the Food and Drug Administration has warned that ingredients in the supplements could be potentially dangerous. (November 2024)
Some universities encourage Chinese students to return before inauguration
Some colleges and universities are encouraging international students to return to the United States – or stay in the country over winter break – to make sure any White House travel restrictions don’t impede their return, the South China Morning Post reports.
Chinese students in the United States have expressed concerns about being allowed back in the country after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20. Trump has promised sweeping immigration reforms and mass deportations. (December 2024)
