Young health activists call for faster justice for adolescents

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Adolescents in Uganda face many challenges—but when it comes to the law, they’re often left unprotected or unheard. And that’s exactly what a group of passionate youth advocates is hoping to change.

Moses Bwire, the Executive Director of Peer to Peer Uganda, says that while there are policies meant to protect teens—like the national policy on teenage pregnancy—many fall short in practice.

"Young girls are still being impregnated, and the perpetrators walk free," he says.

"Even when cases are reported, justice takes forever."

How long is forever?

According to Bwire, some cases of defilement, rape, or forced marriage can drag on for up to 15 years before a verdict is reached. “That’s a whole childhood lost,” he adds.

But change might be on the horizon.

This week, Peer to Peer Uganda has teamed up with Uganda’s justice and law sector to host the 4th National Stakeholders' Dialogue on Adolescent Health, bringing fresh energy and new ideas to the table.

The executive director of Peer to Peer Uganda, Moses Bwire, addressing participants in the pre-adolescent dialogue of the fourth national stakeholder's dialogue on adolescent health.

The two-day event, held at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala (June 4–5, 2025), is all about making the legal and justice systems more responsive to the needs of adolescents.

The theme? “Strengthening Legal and Justice Systems for Adolescent Health and Well-being in Uganda.”

The kickoff included a lively pre-adolescent dialogue on health, with young people speaking up about the challenges they face—and the role they want to play in fixing them. Discussions explored everything from youth advocacy to how the justice system can do better in supporting adolescent health and rights.

The event has attracted an impressive guest list: adolescents from across the country, magistrates, officials from the ministries of Gender, Health, Education and Sports, and members of the judiciary.

“We invited the people who actually hear these cases in court,” Bwire explains. “They need to understand how urgent and life-changing these cases are. If police investigations can be faster, and evidence is presented in time, then courts can move quickly—and justice can be served.”

What’s next?

One big goal of the dialogue is to produce a strong position paper to present to Parliament and government, laying out the real issues happening in communities.

Organizers also hope to push for amendments to current policies and guidelines to better reflect the needs of today’s youth.

For the young people leading this charge, it’s not just about laws—it’s about making sure no adolescent slips through the cracks.