Court gives Makerere two weeks to file defence in sexual harassment case 

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Justice Lydia Mugambe has given Makerere University two weeks to file its defence to an application, in which a former student seeks to sue the university anonymously for alleged sexual harassment.  

Justice Lydia Mugambe issued the directive on Monday when the application came up for hearing.

However, the Makerere University lawyer, Salim Waiswa of Kibeedi & Advocate told court that they were not ready to proceed since they were served late.

He requested for time to study the application and file the university defense to the suite.

The student, whose identity has been withheld, accuses the university of failing to protect her from sexual harassment and alleviate its impact during her period of study at the university between 2012 and 2017.

Through her lawyers; Isaac Ssemakkadde of Centre for Legal Aid and Sheila Namahe of Maxim Advocates, the former student contends that Makerere management failed to implement comprehensive reparations for her and violated her rights to health, dignity, education, equality and non-discrimination.

Her lawyers, want court to order that "particulars which reveal the identity of the girl, her college and alleged perpetrator of the sexual harassment be concealed from documents filed or submissions and representations made orally by any party in connection to the subject matter."

The lawyers further seek directive that all suits filed by any party in connection with the subject matter of the present application be "heard wholly or partially in camera or in accordance with publicity restrictions as court may deem appropriate."

They also want court to prohibit any person or organisation from publishing, telecasting or broadcasting any information connected to the subject matter that may be used to establish the identity of the girl.

Justice Mugambe deferred to the application hearing to February 19th, 2018.

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