MAKERERE- Women and girls at Makerere University have been tipped to stand watch and speak out to authorities on cases of violence including sexual harassment.

In a meeting organised by Centre of Violence prevention in partnership with School of Women and Gender Studies, students have been encouraged to be careful with those they call their 'peers'.

During the meeting, the Makerere vice Guild President Phiona Kokoi in her welcoming remarks encouraged students to work hand in hand with university authorities to fight violence  that has especially affected girls and women.

"I request all of you to work hand in hand as we fight this vice of  violence against innocent women,” she said applauding the university for creating avenues aimed at empowering women among others minorities.

Dr Sylivia Tamale who was the guest of honour encouraged survivors of violence to let the authorities know as they fight to curb the increasing vice.
 

"If you survive any form of violence or face any violence, try to inform the authorities in order to find solution to it. Don’t just keep quiet," she said.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nickson Okello Okena who is the security chief at Makerere, cheered students to report cases of violence saying it’s the only avenue to curtail the immorality. He however, condemned the dressing code of female students saying that it puts girls as risks of being sexually arrested.

Makerere has in the previous years rocked with news of sex scandals, the recent ones being Edward Kisuze, a former administrative assistant as senate who allegedly assaulted Rachel Njeri a female student. However, Kisuze denies the accusations.

In agreement, a committee instituted by the university Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe to investigate the demining on sexual harassment confirmed that the vice is actually increasing.