JUDICIARY Latest Features

Chairperson of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee, Lady Justice Lillian Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza(L)

The Judiciary's Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee today held a sensitization session at Mbale High Court, bringing together Judicial Officers and staff from courts under the Mbale High Court Circuit. The engagement forms part of the Judiciary’s continuous efforts to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace and to reinforce a culture of safety, dignity, and respect among staff.

Supreme Court Justice and Chairperson of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee, Lady Justice Lillian Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza, delivered the keynote presentation titled "Sexual Harassment: The Elephant in the Room." She highlighted the tendency for sexual harassment to be ignored or concealed within institutions despite its gravity. The session, she said, was intended to openly confront this reality and reaffirm the Judiciary’s commitment to tackling the vice decisively.

Justice Tibatemwa emphasized that the Judiciary acknowledges the existence of the problem and has put in place strong measures to ensure that perpetrators understand that sexual harassment is unacceptable and punishable. She encouraged survivors and victims to speak out, reminding them that they are not powerless and that offenders can be held accountable through established channels. By the end of the session, she noted, participants would be better informed about the reporting procedures and the structures available to support complainants.

She further underscored the need for continuous training-both for supervisors and for members of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee. She explained that employers have a responsibility to train their staff, establish reporting mechanisms, and ensure confidential, impartial handling of cases. The Judiciary's Committee, composed of six members, was designed with these principles in mind.

Supreme Court Justice and Technical Advisor to the Committee, Justice Muzamiru Kibeedi, delivered a presentation on the effects of sexual harassment in the workplace. He identified reduced productivity as one of the major consequences and stressed the importance of mental health in fostering efficient performance. He explained that the Judiciary partners with professional counsellors, specifically Rapport Counselling, to support staff affected by harassment or related trauma.

Justice Kibeedi later moderated a Question-and-Answer session. Participants sought guidance on distinguishing genuine consensual relationships from harassment, as well as clarity on sanctions. Justice Kibeedi explained that punishments vary depending on the facts and the complainant’s interests, ranging from apologies and reprimands to more serious disciplinary action. He added that Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR) may be used where the complainant willingly prefers that route.

He also presided over the selection of Anti-Sexual Harassment focal persons for each court, noting that these individuals will receive specialized training to effectively execute their responsibilities.

Court of Appeal Justice and Committee Member Justice Asa Mugenyi facilitated a session inviting participants to express their expectations from the training. Some judicial officers sought guidance on how to protect themselves from harassment and how persistent offenders might be assisted to reform.

The Head of Mbale High Court Circuit, Dr. Farouq Lubega, who officially opened the sensitization, underscored the importance of understanding reporting channels and proper procedures for raising concerns.

Mbale Resident Judge Charles Kasibayo, in his vote of appreciation, commended the participants for their active involvement and thanked HW Fred Waninda, the Deputy Registrar of Mbale High Court, and the team that worked with HW Dorothy Lwanga to organize the session. He expressed optimism that with focal persons now in place, staff would be better protected, leading to improved productivity. Justice Kasibayo further recommended that the Committee considers holding quarterly regional review meetings to track progress.

HW Dorothy Lwanga, Deputy Registrar and Secretary to the Committee, oversaw the distribution of Anti-Sexual Harassment materials to all staff present, working alongside Lady Justice Tibatemwa and Justice Lubega.

The session drew participants from Bubulo, Sironko, Pallisa, Budaka, Kapchorwa, Bududa, Bulambuli, Mbale Municipal, and Bukwo courts, both judicial and non-judicial staff.

The training was moderated by Committee Member and Chief Magistrate HW Martins Kirya.