(L-R): Senior Resident Judge Vicent Mugabo, Resident Judge Vincent Wagona , HW Byekitinisa, Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza
The Judiciary today held an Anti-Sexual Harassment sensitization session at Fort Portal High Court, drawing participants from both Kasese and Fort Portal High Court Circuits.
Delivering a presentation on Anti-Sexual Harassment and its effects, Justice Muzamiru Kibeedi, Justice of the Supreme Court and Technical Advisor to the Committee, emphasized that while the Judiciary has no laws or policies prohibiting consensual relationships between adults, such relationships can easily turn into sexual harassment if consent is absent. He urged participants to unlearn socially engineered habits, to confidently say "No," and to continuously invest in their personal growth. Justice Kibeedi encouraged judicial officers and staff to build their personal brands on skills and integrity rather than rely on favors, observing that self-development reduces vulnerability to exploitation.
Through an interactive session, he guided participants to discuss the qualities needed in focal persons who would handle sexual harassment complaints. Among the qualities highlighted were confidentiality, life experience, a non-judgmental character, availability, and accessibility. Justice Kibeedi explained that beyond appointing such focal persons, capacity-building sessions would follow to equip them with practical skills for handling complaints effectively.
Lady Justice Flavia Nassuna Matovu, Judge of the High Court and member of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee, spoke about the psychological and physical impacts of harassment, including headaches, high blood pressure, frequent absenteeism, palpitations, dizziness, nausea, chest pains, and feelings of detachment from reality. She stressed the importance of trauma-informed counselling, noting that it provides victims with a safe and confidential space to cope with emotions, reduce self-blame, and recover.
Closing the engagement, Resident Judge Vincent Wagona expressed gratitude to the Committee for three specific contributions: clarifying the Judiciary’s policy, highlighting the effects of harassment, and fostering open dialogue on a sensitive subject. He noted that the guidance provided on reporting processes had instilled confidence among participants that any concerns raised would betaken seriously and handled with utmost confidentiality. Justice Wagona praised the expertise and commitment of the Committee members, describing their work as a testament to the Judiciary's dedication to upholding dignity and integrity. He added that their efforts ensure that justice is not only dispensed in the courtrooms but also embedded within the Judiciary's internal culture.
Deputy Registrar HW Dorothy Lwanga, Secretary to the Committee, oversaw the distribution of Anti-Sexual Harassment materials by Lady Justice Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza. HW Lwanga also extended appreciation to the Kasese Resident Judge, Justice Lawrence Tweyanze, in his absence, for allowing staff under Kasese High Court Circuit to attend. She further noted that the Chief Justice had granted permission for courts in the region to close for the day's event, a gesture that underscored the importance of the sensitization.
As part of the programme, focal persons were elected for each circuit. For Fort Portal High Court Circuit, HW Hood Matovu, Chief Magistrate Bundibugyo, was elected as focal person for judicial officers, while for Kasese High Court Circuit, Magistrate Grade I Hamidah Namukasa was chosen.
The sensitization was hailed as an important step in strengthening the Judiciary's internal mechanisms for preventing and addressing sexual harassment, while also promoting a safe, respectful, and dignified work environment.
Posted 2nd, October 2025
