Reproductive Health Uganda has welcomed the enactment of the Sexual Offences Bill 2024, emphasizing that it expands accountability for sexual harassment beyond employers to include employees. Unlike existing laws, which primarily hold employers responsible, the new legislation criminalizes sexual harassment at all levels, ensuring that both employers and employees can be held liable.
Speaking before Parliament’s Joint Committee of Legal and Gender on February 18, 2025, Jackson Chekweko, Executive Director of Reproductive Health Uganda, praised the bill for closing gaps left by the Employment Act 2016.
“The Sexual Offences Bill acknowledges that sexual harassment is not one-sided. Under the Employment Act 2016, emphasis was placed only on violations by employers against employees. However, we know cases exist where employees harass their bosses, and this bill addresses that imbalance,” Chekweko said.
Clause 8 of the Sexual Offences Bill proposes a 10-year jail term or a fine of UGX 20 million—or both—for anyone found guilty of sexual harassment. The bill defines sexual harassment broadly, covering direct or indirect sexual advances, inappropriate comments or gestures, unwelcome physical contact, and leveraging sexual favors for employment, promotion, academic progress, or access to services.
The legislation imposes harsher penalties when the victim is a child. In such cases, perpetrators face an 18-year prison sentence. If the offender is a public official, they will be dismissed from office in addition to serving the standard 10-year sentence and paying the UGX 20 million fine.
Chekweko lauded the bill for offering stronger protection for vulnerable groups, such as young people and children, and for introducing mandatory reporting requirements to increase accountability and prevent further abuse.
“Having this law passed provides stronger protection for vulnerable groups, particularly children and young people, from sexual exploitation and abuse. It also mandates the reporting of sexual offences, which enhances accountability and deterrence,” Chekweko explained.
Reproductive Health Uganda also welcomed provisions establishing a national sexual offenders’ register, which will help track repeat offenders and enable employers to screen prospective hires.
“The bill introduces mechanisms for monitoring and tracking serial offenders. This means that before hiring someone, employers can access information about prior offenses, ensuring safer workplaces and protecting potential victims,” Chekweko added.
He further stressed the urgency of passing the law, highlighting Uganda’s high rates of sexual violence. “Sexual offences are on the rise. Some argue that implementation is the issue, but in reality, there has been a legal gap that this bill seeks to fill,” he said.
The Sexual Offences Bill 2024, tabled by Soroti District Woman Representative Anna Adeke, aims to address longstanding gaps in Uganda’s legal framework regarding sexual crimes and strengthen protections for victims.
Original article here: https://parliamentwatch.ug/news-amp-updates/reproductive-health-experts-welcome-sexual-offences-bill/
