Former Kyambogo University deputy vice-chancellor and lecturer, Dr Lawrence Eron in the courtroon at Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court on Friday, July 05, 2024 (Photo/handout)
Kampala, (UG):- The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Nakawa Division Friday charged and remanded to Luzira Prison, Dr Eron Lawrence, a lecturer and head of department at Kyambogo University for allegedly defiling a 16-year-old visually impaired girl.
Dr Eron, 55, who is also deputy vice-chancellor in charge of finance and administration had been in hiding since December last year after DPP Jane Frances Abodo, sanctioned charges of aggravated defilement against him.
He was arrested on Thursday, July 04, in an operation carried out by the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) detectives, bringing an end to his six-month search.
And on Friday, July 05, 2024, Dr Eron appeared before the presiding Chief Magistrate Christine Nantege who read to him the charges of aggravated defilement and subsequently remanded him to Luzira Prison until July 17 when his case will return for mention.
State Prosecution led by Eunice Mbaine told court that Dr Lawrence committed the said offence on October 12, 2023 between Kyambogo University and Namugongo Nsawo Village in Wakiso District when he subjected the unnamed girl to a sexual act well knowing he was HIV positive.
Court documents further indicate that the lecturer committed the crime while he was a Dean of the Faculty of Special Needs and Rehabilitation while the victim was a student in a secondary school in Mukono District.
Court also heard that Dr Eron who has since been on the run, reportedly forced university authorities to stop remitting his salary, urging compliance with the Ugandan law.
The Chief Magistrate after hearing court submissions charged Eron with aggravated defilement, contrary to section 129 (3), 4 (b), (c) and (d) of the Penal Code Act. On conviction, the penalty is death.
“You are charged with a capital offence which can only be tried in the High Court that has jurisdiction to handle your case. You can also apply for bail in the High Court,” Magistrate Nantege held.
“Plea not taken for lack of jurisdiction. You are hereby remanded to Luzira Prison until July 17, 2024,” the magistrate ordered.
Case background
Facts gathered indicate that the suspect travelled as a caretaker with four students, including the 16-year-old victim with visual impairment to Nairobi-Kenya for a conference and returned on October 12, last year.
Eron is said to have picked his car, which he had left at the airport and gave a lift to the students. He first dropped two students from Gulu University at Namayiba Taxi Park.
He reportedly went on to drop the third student at North Hall, Kyambogo University and remained with the victim, who had a visual impairment. The girl can only see during the day, while using glasses, but cannot see at night, Police said.
Police explained that the suspect drove with the victim to Namugongo, Nsawo village, Kira municipality, at around 10.20 pm.
“It was established that along the way, the victim requested for water, which was bought at a supermarket on Ndagire Road, in Naalya. The victim fell unconscious after drinking the water. Upon regaining consciousness, she felt some pain around her private parts and realised that she had been sexually assaulted in the car,” Enanga said then whilst addressing the media over the matter.
Police investigations further revealed that the suspect dragged the victim from the front to the back seat, from where he took advantage of her.
Sources noted that the suspect tried to use his authority and position to intimidate the girl, her school and her family to frustrate the case. This forced the girl’s school administration to appeal to the First Lady, who is also the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, who also contacted CID headquarters to take up the matter.
The CID boss (Tom Magambo) confirmed that they were tasked with supporting the territorial Police of Katosi to expeditiously complete the investigations.
Kyambogo Varsity speaks out
On April 3, 2024, Kyambogo University Vice Chancellor Prof Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya told journalists that a university committee to probe Dr Eron urged disciplinary action against the suspect.
“The investigations found Dr Eron culpable for gross misconduct of sexual harassment, acts or omissions that damage the image and status of the university and unprofessional or unethical conduct,” Prof Katunguka said.
He added: “The Investigations Committee conducted the inquiry from November 13, 2023 to January 19, 2024, when it handed over the report to the Vice Chancellor who conveyed it to the Acting University Secretary to commence the disciplinary action.”
The Kyambogo University Council has since replaced Eron, as the deputy vice-chancellor, with associate professor Justus Kwetegyeka.
If convicted, defilement in Uganda attracts tough penalties which may include a more than 7-year jail term or extreme judgements.
