My father molests me during holidays: student

CRIME

WAKISO - A student at one of the schools in Wakiso district has told legislators on the parliamentary select committee investigating allegations of sexual violence in schools and institutions of learning, that her father molests her during holidays.

During the interface of the MPs with the girls yesterday, the girl (name withheld), sought privacy with the MPs and when given audience, she said: "My father defiles me. I fear going home for holidays, I request Parliament to rescue me."

The committee lead counsel, MP Mary Kabanda, asked why she had not disclosed the issue before the school management, to which she said: "I could not trust the school management nor the senior woman because the school does not have a streamlined channel to address sexual harassment."

"The school hires external counsellors to talk to us at least twice a term, but I could not trust them either," the girl told the committee, chaired by the Gomba East county MP, Robinah Rwakoojo.

However, it was not clear whether the girl lives with both her parents.

The girls wrote letters describing the many sexual violence cases they face at home and at school.

Parliament last April, agreed to constitute a select committee to investigate allegations of sexual harassment in institutions of learning.

The decision came after a motion by National Female Youth MP Anna Adeke, urging Parliament to inquire into the matter.

The motion follows media reports on the vice involving teachers, lecturers and school heads.

In reference to this, the committee committed to investigate the girl's matter. The MPs met the school management, all staff and the Wakiso District Education Officer, Fredrick Kiyingi.