Dr. Eron Lawrence, a former senior lecturer at Kyambogo University, has been remanded to Luzira Prison on charges of defiling a visually impaired 16-year-old girl and infecting her with HIV/AIDS last year.
The 56-year-old had been on the run since December 12, 2023, after jumping police bond. Dr. Lawrence, known for his expertise in disability issues in Uganda, coordinated several projects and had extensive experience as a consultant in inclusive education, leading to his rise through various ranks at Kyambogo University.
Holding a PhD from the University of Oslo in Norway, he was a respected senior lecturer and dean of the Faculty of Special Needs and Rehabilitation. He also initiated and chaired the Institutional Disability Policy for Kyambogo. At the time of the incident, he was the project administrator for “All We See is a Possibility” at Kyambogo University, and the victim was one of the beneficiaries of the program.
Previously, police offered a Shs 10 million bounty for his arrest after he failed to appear when summoned. Unexpectedly, on Thursday night, he presented himself to the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID). On Friday, he was subsequently remanded until July 17 by Nakawa Chief Magistrate Christine Nantege. Due to the capital nature of the charges, which can only be tried by the High Court, he was not allowed to enter a plea.
The incident allegedly occurred when Dr. Lawrence traveled as a caretaker with four students, including the victim, to Nairobi, Kenya, for a conference. Upon returning to Uganda on October 12, 2023, he reportedly drove the victim to Namugongo-Nsawo village, Kira municipality, after dropping off the other students.
According to police, the victim requested water along the way, which was bought at a supermarket. After consuming the water, she fell unconscious. Upon regaining consciousness, she realized she had been sexually assaulted, likely in the car. The next morning, she confided in her school authorities, who reported the incident to Mukono police.
The police administered post-rape treatment to the victim, and DNA samples recovered from Dr. Lawrence’s car matched those found on the victim.
