Makerere suspends lecturer who appeared in video slapping female student

KAMPALA, UGANDA: Makerere University has suspended Mr Benard Wandera, a lecturer at the department of Social Works and Social Administration for repeatedly slapping a female student in class after an altercation between the two.

Mr Wandera allegedly assaulted the student in an incident that was recorded on video in a lecture session at the Frank-Kalimuzo Central Teaching facility on Friday, November 18, 2022.

“I have received and watched with dismay, a video footage in which allegedly you, Mr. Bernard Wandera, are seen physically assaulting a female student during a lecture session conducted by yourself at the University Main Campus,” Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe said in a University statement.

He, therefore, instructed the lecturer to step aside indefinitely as he paves way for investigations into his wild conduct.

“Pursuant to provisions of the Public Service Standing Orders, the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act and our Human Resources Manual, Vice-Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe has interdicted Mr Benard Wandera for allegedly assaulting a student in class pending investigations, “ Makerere University said in a Saturday afternoon statement.

“The Makerere University Management has noted with regret a video on social media that was recorded showing a student and a course instructor in an altercation that resulted in the faculty assaulting a student. We firmly condemn the instructor’s conduct because it goes against several university policies.,” the statement reads in part.

“The conduct of the faculty is unacceptable and portrays an abuse of authority entrusted to him to nurture and guide students as they pursue knowledge at our great University. The Director of Gender Mainstreaming has reached out to the affected student, shared our regret, and promised to investigate this matter with the utmost sincerity. We shall keep the university community and general public updated on further steps taken to address this incident,” it adds.

Mr Wandera’s suspension followed wide condemnation from enraged social media users who were irked after watching the video recording that has been widely shared on different online platforms.

“I have also received additional written compliant from a student of the college of humanities and social sciences as well as oral complaints from the university community on this matter. Your aforesaid unlawful acts contravene the terms and conditions of your employment with the University and also violate provisions of the Universities and other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001 (as amended),” a statement signed by Mr Nawangwe added.

Nawangwe explained that the suspension of Mr Wandera is meant to protect the reputation of the university, its students and in order not to jeopardize the ongoing infestations.

“A committee to investigate allegations of assault, harassment and willful professional misconduct against you will be constituted. You’ll be invited to participate in its proceedings,” he added.

During the suspension period, the lecturer will be entitled to get his half salary but will not be allowed to access his office or university premises until investigations into his conduct are complete.

“You are required to prepare a handover report and handover all university property in your possession to your supervisor; the head department of social work and social administration in the presence of the dean of- school of social sciences,” Mr Nawangwe’s statement added.