Advancing Reproductive Justice Through Intergenerational Dialogue
A significant step was taken in the fight for reproductive justice as a group of organizations came together to host an event focused on addressing systemic challenges in access to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) across Uganda. The 3rd Annual Reproductive Justice Litigation Dialogue, known as the GN Trybe Billi Now Now Pre-Youth Baraza, aimed to confront issues such as unsafe healthcare, restrictive laws, and discriminatory practices that continue to hinder access to reproductive care.
The event took place under the broader theme “Incarceration and SRHR in Africa: Defining Pathways to Reproductive Justice.” This theme encouraged intergenerational dialogue and movement-building between young people, legal experts, activists, healthcare providers, and service organizations working at the intersection of justice and SRHR. Participants engaged in discussions about youth-led solutions, advocacy strategies, and urgent policy reforms to tackle systemic barriers such as legal frameworks, policing practices, and detention conditions that restrict access to SRHR services for young people.
This youth-led initiative is part of a four-day Baraza event running up to August 8, 2025, at Serena Hotel, Kigo. The gathering brought together youth leaders, legal professionals, academia, civil society, and health experts who were united in their call for structural justice and a commitment to dignity, autonomy, and equity in reproductive healthcare.
Humphrey Nabimanya, CEO of Reach A Hand Uganda, highlighted the impact of restrictive laws on youth, pointing out injustices ranging from menstrual health challenges in detention, the criminalization of abortion, to the lack of access to legal aid for incarcerated youth. He emphasized the need for action, stating, "From menstrual health in detention, to the criminalisation of abortion, to access to legal aid and dignity while locked up, these issues are real. But so are our solutions. Let's bring the vibes, the ideas, the truth and let's make this Baraza more than just a talk shop. Let us spark a shift."
Young participants at the event shared strong recommendations. They called for youth-friendly legal aid services tailored to their realities and delivered through creative, relatable approaches such as music, storytelling, and digital platforms. They also stressed the importance of integrating mental health services into schools and communities to break the stigma surrounding facilities like Butabika. Furthermore, they demanded reforms in the Penal Code to decriminalize abortion and expand access to safe SRHR services, particularly for adolescents. Youth further insisted on being engaged as central decision-makers in policymaking—not just as symbolic participants.
Senior Superintendent of Police Jackson Muchunguzi from the Police's Child and Family Protection Unit addressed the youth, highlighting the systemic gaps in child protection and emotional development that often lead young people into conflict with the law. He emphasized the breakdown of family units, absentee parenting, and weak support systems as core drivers. "You may be young, but you're not too young to do the right thing," he said, painting a sobering picture of conditions in remand homes.
The event also spotlighted grim findings from Afya na Haki's research into infanticide and reproductive oppression in Ugandan prisons. Stories like that of a 15-year-old girl imprisoned after giving birth alone underscored the urgent need for reforms in legal systems, education, and access to family planning services. Despite legal protections enshrined in The Children (Amendment) Act, 2016, The Penal Code Act, and Articles 20, 24, and 33 of the Constitution of Uganda, implementation remains severely lacking.
Voices from the Baraza resoundingly concluded that laws are not enough. Accountability, compassion, and real action are needed to ensure that every individual has access to the reproductive healthcare they deserve. The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of continued efforts to advocate for change and create a more just and equitable society for all.