Three human rights organizations, including Women With A Mission, have filed a lawsuit against the Government of Uganda, citing violations of a 15-year-old girl’s right to emergency Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) care.

The case stems from an incident at Budondo Health Centre in Jinja, where the girl who had suffered a miscarriage was reportedly forcibly removed from the health facility by police officers and subjected to physical assault while still receiving care.

The organizations are seeking justice on behalf of the minor and are challenging what they describe as an unlawful arrest and detention.

They also demand greater accountability and policy reforms to prevent similar incidents.

Betty Balisalamu, Executive Director of Women With A Mission, has called on the Uganda Police Force to review its conduct and put in place safeguards that guarantee access to medical care for all detainees, especially minors and survivors of violence.

Immaculate Owomugisha, Executive Director of the Center for Women Justice Uganda, urged the government to respect both constitutional and international obligations concerning health and human rights, particularly those protecting women and girls.

Edward Busima, the Legal Officer at Women With A Mission says they seek declarations from the court that an order directing to pay compensation to the young girls through her friend of court in atonement for the violations she suffered.

The case is expected to draw national attention as debates around access to SRHR services, police conduct, and the protection of vulnerable populations continue to intensify.

By Ben Musanje

24th June 2025

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