Makerere lecturer who slapped student in viral video acquitted of assault charges

KAMPALA, UGANDA: Prof Bernard Wandera, a lecturer at Makerere University accused of slapping a student in a video that went viral last month has been acquitted of the assault charges, the DailyExpress understands.

Prof Wandera a lecturer in the department of Social Works and Social Administration at the School of Social Sciences had been charged with two charges of assault and suspended until investigations conclude.

However, the two students; Patricia Alkoro and Prisca Mirembe who had sued him have now asked the Buganda Road Court to dismiss the charges against him on grounds that they have since reconciled with the lecturer.

Appearing before court on Friday, December 16, the students told Grade One magistrate Fidelis Otwoa through Prof Wandera’s lawyer that they have reconciled with the lecturer and asked court to close the case file.

“Under Article 126 (2) (d) of the Constitution, courts are enjoined to promote reconciliation between the parties. This is a matter that requires both the accused persons and the complainants to appear in court in a case in which they have already reconciled and are on good terms,” Prof Wandera’s lawyer told court.

“Their continued participation in these proceedings will instead sabotage the relationship they have now put into place. I was informed that indeed they wrote a letter to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) expressing their loss of interest in the premises. We pray that the accused be discharged on account of reconciliation,” he added.

According to the chargesheet seen by this website, it is alleged that on November 17, at Frank-Kalimuzo Central Teaching facility lecture room, Makerere University in Kawempe Division, Prof Wandera assaulted Alkoro and Mirembe thereby causing them bodily harm.

Two days later, the university administration interdicted Prof Wandera and stopped him from carrying out his activities to pave the way for investigations into his conduct.

Prosecution led by Ms Joan Keko told court that earlier this week, the two students turned up at her office, seeking to settle the matter out of court. She said she referred them to the DPP because she has no powers to do what they requested. “This is a case of public nature and the DPP in her wisdom guided that the matter be handled in court,” Ms Keko said.

But Mr Otwoa questioned whether reconciliation also applies to the nature of offence which the accused is facing.

He then adjourned the matter to January 30 next year for the defence lawyer to explain the provisions of Section 160 of the Constitution.