26/06/2025
Judiciary Conducts Anti-Sexual Harassment Campaign at Masaka High Court.
The Judiciary’s Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee today conducted a sensitization campaign at the Masaka High Court Circuit, aimed at raising awareness and equipping judicial officers and staff with the knowledge and tools to address sexual harassment in the workplace.
The outreach, in line with the Committee’s mandate under the Administration of the Judiciary Act, was led by Supreme Court Justice Lillian Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza (Chairperson) with Committee members; Justice Kibeedi Muzamiru (Supreme Court), Lady Justice Flavia Nassuna Matovu (Judge of the High Court), Chief Magistrate HW Martins Kirya, and Principal Human Resource Officer Ms. Susan Akello.
Delivering a presentation titled “Sexual Harassment: The Elephant in the Room,” Justice Tibatemwa emphasized that the Judiciary acknowledges the reality of sexual harassment and is committed to addressing it head-on. “This is not business as usual. Victims are not helpless. We want to assure them that the Judiciary is not blind to this issue,” she said, urging staff to speak out and utilize the institutional mechanisms available.
Justice Kibeedi, who led the interactive Q&A session, cautioned against making false allegations, stressing that proven malicious claims would attract disciplinary action. He explained the importance of respectful behavior, proper boundaries, and the Judiciary’s commitment to witness protection and external accountability, including cases involving non-Judiciary actors like advocates.
He encouraged staff to adopt respectful assertiveness when confronting inappropriate behavior and reiterated that there are no time limits for reporting sexual harassment. “Coming forward takes courage. Whether now or later, your complaint will be heard,” he assured.
Justice Flavia Matovu Nassuna underscored the role of the Committee in empowering victims and guiding them through the reporting process. She highlighted the objective of the training: to demystify what constitutes sexual harassment, explain how to prevent it, and promote a culture of dignity in the workplace.
Masaka Resident Judge, Lady Justice Fatima Nanziri Bwanika, in her remarks, described sexual harassment as a harmful and discriminatory practice that threatens individual well-being and career progression. She called for the establishment of safe, confidential reporting structures and support systems like counseling. “This is not just a professional issue—it is a human one,” she said.
Masaka High Court Deputy Registrar HW Loe Karungi echoed similar sentiments, decrying sexual harassment as a misuse of authority. She implored perpetrators to stop and reminded attendees that the workplace must be a safe space. Drawing from the biblical story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife, she encouraged resilience and integrity in the face of harassment, warning against giving in due to fear.
HW Simon Toloko, the Masaka Chief Magistrate commended the campaign, stating that it had ignited hope and deeper understanding across the Masaka Circuit. “This initiative is a step forward in eliminating sexual harassment and building a respectful judicial culture,” he noted.
Ms. Susan Tashobya from SMC Limited/Judiciary Counseling Services gave a presentation on the psychological and emotional impact of sexual harassment. She noted that victims often suffer trauma, anxiety, depression, and lowered self-esteem, all of which can affect their mental health, job performance, and personal relationships. She emphasized the need for compassionate responses, counseling services, and proactive workplace measures to address these outcomes.
During the session, Lady Justice Tibatemwa and Ms. Akello handed over awareness materials to judicial officers for distribution to courts in Greater Masaka. Attendees included court staff from Masaka, Rakai, Kalangala, Kyotera, Lyantonde, Bukomansimbi, and Lukaya.
The activity reaffirmed the Judiciary’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual harassment and its commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful working environment for all.
Patience Kengoro
