Court dismisses maternal mortality case

By Vision Reporter

The Constitutional Court Tuesday dismissed a case in which civil society advocates were seeking to force the Government put a stop on maternal mortality in Uganda.

The verdict was delivered by the assistant registrar of the Court Alex Ajiji on behalf of a panel of five judges led by the deputy Chief Justice Alice Mpagi Bahigeine.

The judges said although maternal mortality remains a big problem that needs to be urgently addressed, any ruling contrary to that would be interference with the executive’s mandate.

Over 150 activists, including grass-root home-based care providers and community leaders all over the country dragged the Government to court, complaining that it violated the women’s rights by neglecting to put essential medical commodities in place for them when they are pregnant.

They were seeking declaration that by failing to provide the essential medical commodities and adequate health services to pregnant women, the Government is violating their constitutional rights as mothers of this nation.

They also sought compensation for the siblings of those who have lost their beloved ones that have died during deliveries for lack of the essentials in hospitals and officials health clinics, such as Sylvia Nalubowa and Jennifer Anguko, who died during child birth.