Uganda's prestigious Makerere University has responded to students' complaints of sexual harassment by forming an investigation committee.

In January, a report released by an independent committee mandated by Uganda's president said that over 50 per cent of female and about 40 per cent of male students interviewed called sexual harassment a major cause of discontent on Makarere's campus.

The new team of five professors, which is to investigate all complaints by students and those brought by the general public, should have a report of their findings ready in two months.

Sylvia Tamale, who has been picked to lead the committee, is an outspoken women’s rights advocate, academic and the first ever female dean of the School of Law.

One student who says a lecturer attempted to rape her told BBC that university officials insulted her and "called her stupid" after she reported the attack.

She was left disappointed when the university senate committee formed to investigate her case concluded that there had been "an environment of sexual harassment", but told her nonetheless to return to class and be taught by her alleged attacker.

The student turned down the offer and never resumed her studies, saying it was "unjust" to return her to that "hostile environment" without any punitive action for the teacher.

Makere University says it has sacked five lecturers since 2006 for sexual harassment, and hopes the new committee with "completely deal with" the problem.