Kampala
Makerere University Vice Chancellor Venansius Baryamureeba says that he will ‘fully submit himself’ to the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) which is investigating allegations that he raped a woman.
The UHRC yesterday said the case will be treated like any other complaint, despite the high profile of the defendant. Prof. Baryamureeba has been accused by a 26-year-old woman of allegedly forcing her into sex which resulted in a pregnancy.
The matter is being investigated by the UHRC, the independent body charged with constitutional mandate of promoting and ensuring the observance of human rights in the country as provided for by local and international law.
Although the Makerere vice chancellor never personally spoke about the matter, a statement issued yesterday morning through the acting University senior Public Relations Officer, Ms Ritah Namisango, indicates the acknowledgement that it has been brought to his attention.
“Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba received a copy of the complaint lodged with Uganda Human Rights Commission, and he fully submits himself to that constitutional body, as it carries out its independent and impartial investigations. Professor Baryamureeba and the institution at large, shall not make any statements which may be misconstrued to be an interference with the UHRC investigations,” the statement said.
At Makerere University yesterday, Dr Tanga Odoi, chairman of the academic staff association, told Daily Monitor that “members of staff are not happy ... the issue is being discussed countrywide ...”
The inquiry follows a complaint filed with the rights body on July 15, 2011, by the woman, who says she is now more than two months pregnant as a result of the alleged rape.
The complainant, whose name cannot be divulged for legal reasons, claims she was raped on March 3 at her home in Kamwokya, a Kampala suburb. UHRC chairman Med Kaggwa, said on Monday he will be appointing a committee this week to investigate the claims.
The claimant says she met Prof. Baryamureeba for a drink with two other male friends on March 3 this year. She says the university don later insisted on driving her home and, after entering her house at around 2 a.m., refused to leave, and subsequently allegedly raped her.
Yesterday, the police said they will not get involved since the matter has been reported to UHRC, unless the commission requests its assistance. Police spokesperson Judith Nabakooba said the decision of the victim to take the matter up with UHRC must be respected. “Issues of rape are sensitive issues. We will let the UHRC investigate,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Makerere University Staff Association (Muasa) is due for a meeting on Friday. “I’m shocked and perplexed … if it is true … because the chancellor should be the cream of our university,” said Dr Odoi, the Muasa chairman. Prof. Baryamureeba holds a Ph.d in Computer Science and is the recipient of numerous academic awards.