Dr. Lawrence Eron, a 56-year-old senior lecturer at Kyambogo University and Dean of the Faculty of Special Needs and Rehabilitation, is now a fugitive wanted by the police on charges of aggravated defilement. The incident involves a visually impaired 16-year-old girl, a student at a secondary school in Mukono District.
According to police spokesperson Mr. Fred Enanga, Dr. Eron is not only accused of defilement but is also facing allegations of absconding police bond since December 14, 2023. Over the past month, he has managed to evade authorities, prompting a public appeal for information on his whereabouts.
The case unfolded after the victim, who was a beneficiary of a project administered by Dr. Eron, came forward with accusations. The lecturer, who also served as a project administrator, vanished following the imposition of charges against him.
Startlingly, Dr. Eron is not only HIV positive but also held a position of authority over the victim. Despite being granted police bond due to health considerations, the lecturer failed to comply with the terms, and his sureties have been unable to produce him.
The incident allegedly occurred during a trip to Nairobi, Kenya, where Dr. Eron accompanied four students, including the victim, for a conference. On their return to Uganda, he dropped off the other students before driving the victim to various locations. The police report states that the victim, who has visual impairment and uses glasses during the day, fell unconscious after requesting water during the journey.
Police spokesperson Mr. Enanga provided further details, stating, "The sexual assault took place within the car when she was unconscious. The following morning, her maternal uncle drove her back to her school in Mukono where she revealed her ordeal to a senior woman teacher who alerted the head teacher, and the case was reported at Mukono police station."
The victim received immediate post-rape treatment, and DNA samples were obtained from the suspect's car. These samples matched with specimens found on the victim, providing compelling evidence of sexual intercourse.
. @CID1_UG in coordination with the KMP territorial police are seeking the public’s help in locating a one, Dr. Eron Lawrence, a 56 year old, senior lecturer at Kyambogo University, Dean of Faculty of Special needs and Rehabilitation, and also Project Administrator “All we see is… pic.twitter.com/OLfuXiHr3C
— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) January 22, 2024
The police are urging anyone with information on the matter or anyone who may have been victimized by the suspect to contact CID headquarters, KMP headquarters, or the National Operations Command Centre at 0776999136.
