MPs demand probe into sexual harassment of female runners

By Joyce Namutebi           
           
Perturbed by reports of sexual harassment of female runners in Kapchorwa District by a male coach, women Members of Parliament are now demanding for investigation into the matter and the culprit brought to book.

“As UWOPA (Uganda Women Parliamentary Association) we are condemning this act by the coach. He has abused his position of authority by sexually harassing the girls,” the chairperson, Betty Amongi told journalists at a press conference at Parliament Buildings Monday.

She said they had secured space on the Order Paper of Parliament Tuesday to ask the Minister of Internal Affairs to make a clear statement giving a time frame within which the investigations would be concluded.

The MPs, she said, would also put the minister to task to explain why the man has not been arrested.

Of recent, the media has been awash with allegations that a male coach was sexually harassing female runners who were preparing for Africa Cross Country championships in Kapchorwa.

Amongi commended the captain, Moses Kipsiro for exposing the rot and called upon the Uganda Athletics Federation to ensure that he is not victimised for doing so.

The young runners are said to have confided in Kipsiro about what they were going through.

She also commended Kapchorwa district chairperson, Sam Cheptoris for coming out to expose the coach and for demanding full investigation.

The coach is said to have been banned from all athletics events in the district.

Amongi urged the victims to come out and testify saying “as UWOPA we shall use our position to protect you.” She assured that those who want to testify in camera would be protected.

She warned that the long arm of the law would go for those people who are trying to protect the coach.

“As UWOPA we are going to ensure that whoever is conniving with the coach to deny girls justice is prosecuted.”

She also warned the Police officers who might be protecting the suspect that they would leave no stone un turned in their pursuit for justice.

She said they had been informed by the district authorities that the coach was a traditional healer.