national 18 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ugandan Universities Grapple with Pervasive Sexual Harassment
Despite existing laws and institutional policies, thousands of students in Ugandan universities continue to suffer sexual harassment and abuse, as highlighted by a recent study and discussions among experts and student leaders. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/universities-under-fire-over-sexual-harassment-5501692
A recent study by Dr. Anna Ninsiima from Makerere University’s School of Women and Gender Studies reveals a disturbing reality: thousands of students across Ugandan universities are experiencing sexual violence. The research indicates that Kyambogo University may be the most affected, with an estimated 8,679 out of 39,452 students facing or having faced sexual violence.
These findings emerged during a dialogue on sexual harassment and gender-based violence, where experts, policymakers, and student leaders voiced concerns about the persistent nature of the problem. Although institutions like Kyambogo University have mechanisms in place, such as HR manuals and gender policies, to address misconduct, a standalone comprehensive policy is still under development.
Dr. Ninsiima’s study also shed light on the heightened vulnerability of students with disabilities, noting that a significant number of female students with hearing impairments at Makerere University’s College of Health Sciences experienced sexual assault or rape within a year.
While Uganda has made strides in legal and policy frameworks, the implementation remains a critical challenge. Deep-seated patriarchal norms often normalize sexual harassment, treating women’s bodies as objects. The consequences for survivors are severe, impacting their academic performance, mental health, and sometimes leading them to abandon their education entirely due to trauma, depression, or STIs.
Many victims fear retaliation, victimization, and loss of opportunities, which discourages reporting. The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) acknowledges these challenges and plans to decentralize services to improve accessibility to justice for victims across the country, emphasizing the need for stronger evidence-gathering systems and confidential reporting channels.
Student leaders shared personal experiences, underscoring that such incidents, though common, are rarely formally reported. The circulated study aims to prompt universities to take more decisive action against sexual harassment in higher education institutions nationwide.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)