Mbarara Media Café on “Abortion and Human Rights” in Uganda: Balancing the Right to Life, Women’s Health, and the Law
The Health Journalists Network Uganda (HEJNU) held a Media Café supported by CATALYSTS Consortium Project on “Abortion and Human Rights” at Adit Mall, an annex of Oxford Hotel in Mbarara City, on 11th March 2026. The event brought together journalists, human rights advocates, and medical professionals to discuss
the human rights dimensions of abortion, post-abortion care (PAC), and the role of the media in reporting on these issues.
The Media Café
The half-day Media Café convened 15 journalists from across the Ankole Sub-Region. The participants, drawn from various media houses including online publishers, radio, television, and newspapers, shared a keen interest in health and science reporting. Annita Matsika, the convener of the Health Network for Journalists Uganda (HENJU), Mbarara, hosted the event.
Presentations and Discussions
The Media Café featured expert presentations from: Prof. Rodgers Kajabwangu, President of the Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology of
Uganda (AOGU) and a consultant at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), who discussed medical and legal aspects of abortion.
Grace Linda Abooki, a feminist, community-based mobilizer for post-abortion care, and an abortion survivor, who shared her personal experience and advocacy work.
Pleasure Nuwenshaba, a Midwife and Maternal Health Advocate at MRRH, who focused on maternal health and post-abortion care interventions.
Opening Remarks
In her opening remarks, Annita Matsika welcomed participants and presenters, briefing them on HEJNU’s initiatives in the health sector. She encouraged journalists to use the engagement not only for learning but also to produce informed stories that raise awareness about the benefits, challenges, and human rights considerations surrounding abortion in Uganda.
The Media Café emphasized the critical role of journalists in sensitizing the public and ensuring balanced reporting on abortion within the framework of law, human rights, and women’s health.
Annita Matsika, who also chaired the Media Café, briefly introduced the topic and gauged participants’ understanding of abortion and human rights before the first presentation. She noted that while some participants were familiar with abortion, many lacked knowledge of the legal framework and post-abortion care services available in Uganda.
Presentations
The session was opened by Prof. Rodgers Kajabwangu, President of the Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Uganda and a consultant at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). He discussed existing laws and policies governing abortion and examined how these regulations influence sexual and reproductive health advocacy in Uganda.
Defining Abortion and Maternal Health Challenges
Prof. Rodgers Kajabwangu clarified the difference between abortion and miscarriage, explaining that abortion is the termination of a pregnancy through an intervention, whereas miscarriage occurs spontaneously. He highlighted that 3 out of 10 women admitted to the gynecology ward at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) face complications related to abortion or miscarriage.
Complications from abortion rank fifth among the leading causes of maternal deaths in Uganda, following excessive bleeding, hypertension, obstructed labor, andinfections.
“Statistics indicate that 6 out of 10 maternal deaths are linked to both safe and unsafe abortion-related complications,” Prof. Kajabwangu said. “Approximately 6% of all maternal deathsnationally result from abortion-related complications. This calls for heightened awareness and preventive measures to reduce mortality.”
He emphasized that MRRH does not perform safe abortions. The hospital manages complications arising from unsafe abortions or miscarriages. In rare cases, pregnancyterminations may occur for medical reasons, such as when the mother’s life is at risk or the fetushas severe congenital abnormalities. These interventions follow guidelines set out in the 2006 National Health Policy.
Advocacy, Law, and Reproductive Health
Prof. Kajabwangu stressed that even if abortion were fully legalized, health facilities would stillfocus on preventing unwanted pregnancies through alternative measures. These include keeping girls in school, sexual and reproductive health education, and promoting family planning methods.
He noted that unsafe abortions can result in severe complications, such as uterine loss, which can affect a woman’s future fertility. He highlighted legal gaps in Uganda’s abortion laws, particularly Section 142 of the Penal Code Act, which criminalizes abortion and prescribes up to seven years’ imprisonment for women who procure a miscarriage. Prof. Kajabwangu explained the “grey areas” in the law, noting that medications used for abortion are also necessary for managing postpartum bleeding and post-abortion care, making enforcement challenging.
“The 2006 National Guidelines for Sexual and Reproductive Health allow abortion under specific circumstances, including rape, defilement, severe maternal illness, renal disease, cervical cancer, and HIV. However, these policy provisions are not codified into law,” he said.
Consequently, while abortion remains largely criminalized, post-abortion care is recognized as a right for women to overcome complications safely.
Prof. Kajabwangu concluded that reproductive health advocacy in Uganda focuses primarily on reducing unwanted pregnancies, rather than legalizing abortion. He highlighted progress in family planning uptake, noting that only 2 out of 10 women now have an unmet need for contraception. “If we can ensure every woman who does not want to get pregnant has access to family planning, the number of unsafe abortions will decrease significantly,” he added.
Personal Experiences and Advocacy: Alinda Grace Abooki
Alinda , a Community-Based Mobiliser (CBM) with Marie Stopes Uganda, began her presentation by recounting a personal ordeal. She shared the story of a university friend in 2015 who almost lost her life due to unsafe abortion practices at a clinic in Fort Portal. “My friend was impregnated by a married clergy member who was paying her tuition. She went unconscious during the procedure and almost died. Thankfully, we were later referred to Buhinga Hospital, where she received proper care,” Alinda said.
Alinda, who has served as a bridge between post-abortion clients and Marie Stopes clinics for over ten years, highlighted the stigma and trauma women face during post-abortion care. She recounted her own experience as an abortion survivor: “About ten years ago, I was undergoing serious medical treatment that required me to avoid pregnancy for six months.
I became pregnant despite the advice, and due to the risk of giving birth to a deformed baby, I had to terminate the pregnancy. I believe I made the right decision, as no one could handle such a situation without trauma.”
She emphasized the economic, social, and psychological challenges associated with abortion. “During post-abortion care, I faced stigma and trauma. There’s the financial pressure and the emotional burden. Counseling was critical in helping me cope with feelings of guilt,” she said.
Alinda urged the government and religious leaders to support women who become pregnant before they are ready. “The church condemns abortion, yet young girls engage in sex work, extra-marital sex happens in families, and serious crimes still occur despite punishments. Unsafe abortions are happening regardless, putting women’s lives and fertility at risk. Legalizing safe abortion would prevent deaths and severe complications,” she said.
She concluded: “Personally, I advocate for safe abortion. While the law criminalizes it, girls continue to seek unsafe procedures. We should prioritize safe care to protect women from losing their uterus or risking future fertility.”
Safe-Abortion and Post-Abortion Care: Presentation by Pleasure Nuwenshaba Pleasure Nuwenshaba, a midwife and maternal health advocate at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, gave a detailed presentation on safe-abortion care and post-abortion care (PAC). She defined safe-abortion care as the package of services provided to women after experiencing an abortion, whether induced or spontaneous.
“Spontaneous abortion occurs when a woman loses her pregnancy naturally, often planned and wanted, whereas induced abortion happens when a woman conceives unintentionally and seeks to terminate the pregnancy,” she explained.
Under post-abortion care, medics provide a wide range of services, including managing emergencies such as heavy bleeding, infections, uterine damage, and perforations, as well as offering counseling and family planning. Nuwenshaba emphasized: “We handle emergencies
because many girls come in with shock, retained products, or infections that, if untreated, can severely damage the uterus.”
She highlighted the emotional challenges faced by women and girls after abortion. “Many struggle with stigma from home or community and ask themselves why it happened.
Professional, non-judgmental counseling is critical to help them cope,” she said. Nuwenshaba noted that PAC services are now available at all health centers, not just national referral hospitals, in response to growing demand. “At Health Centre III, a trained midwife can resuscitate a patient, manage shock, and refer her to a higher facility if needed. Post-abortion care is a right for every woman, even though abortion itself is illegal in Uganda.”
She acknowledged that available statistics likely underrepresent the true scale of the issue, especially in rural areas. “Many young girls and women in villages die from complications due to lack of post-abortion care. The numbers we report only reflect those who reach hospitals,” she said.
Steps Taken and Policy Measures
At MRRH, continuous training is emphasized for health workers to improve PAC management. “We train midwives on procedures like manual vacuum aspiration, which can be performed safely by skilled staff. Every health facility should have post-abortion care counseling services
integrated into reproductive health packages,” she said.
On the policy side, the Ministry of Health and government are reviewing abortion-related policies while promoting family planning to reduce unintended pregnancies. Nuwenshaba stressed: “We ensure no woman leaves a health facility without contraception. Education about family planning is provided to mothers, fathers, and communities. Our goal is ‘Babies by choice, not by chance.’”
She emphasized community engagement and destigmatization: “Through social media, health centers, and community outreach, we educate leaders and families to support women without judgment, ensuring they access the care they need.”
Nuwenshaba also voiced support for legalizing safe abortion in Uganda to protect women from unsafe practices and their associated risks. She also praised journalists for engaging in community sensitization on maternal health and reproductive rights.
Journalists’ Engagement
The session included a Q&;A, where journalists asked about the dangers of traditional abortion methods and observed cases. Presenters responded by explaining the health risks and emphasizing the importance of professional post-abortion care.
QN1: Thank you very much for sharing your story, you have mentioned that you have also been part of helping some mothers who have wanted to procure an abortion, among those could there be some girls/women that have practiced/done abortion using traditional methods, what is the danger there, if you have really, been observant?
Alinda’s Response: It is true; I have had around five cases of failed abortion. These are people who come to me or to the clinic after attempting unsafe procedures using unprofessional methods. There are doctors or clinics that seem professional, but they are not. I almost lost my friend because of this. These unprofessional clinics and individuals are all over the place.
Abortion is, by the way, a hot issue in town. Personally, in a period of a month, I can get about 20 people calling me, seeking a service or post-abortion care. Let me be clear: we don’t perform abortions at Marie Stopes. We provide post-abortion care. When someone comes with complications, we take care of them safely.
QnII: What are the dangers of doing unsafe Abortion?
Alinda’s Response: One is Stigma and Trauma. There is a lot of stigma and trauma involved, and a lack of knowledge. Most girls, especially domestic workers who are exploited by their employers, do not have a clear understanding of what to do when they face unwanted pregnancies. Many have grown up in villages, knowing only certain herbs. I’ve personally handled about six cases, and we have been able to provide support.
The unfortunate reality is that you cannot walk into a clinic as a clear-minded woman and request an abortion—it is illegal in Uganda. I was able to receive help only because my life and the baby’s life were at risk. So a woman must either preserve her life or find a careful way, working with a doctor, to protect herself.
“It is very difficult for a woman to decide on an abortion without the support of her doctor, or someone like me who knows exactly what to do. I’m not helping women to abort; I’m helping them access post-abortion care and guidance on how to cope with trauma and stigma,” she added.
Qn III: One is about the myths and misconceptions of abortion, when people say you can’t abort at two months, you can’t abort at five months, you will die with the baby. When is it risky to abort?
Alinda’s Response: “You know, I’m not a medic, and I may not be in a position to answer very well. The midwife here will respond. I’m not a medic, but what I know is that at Marie Stopes,the care we provide does not depend on how far along the pregnancy is. As long as you are experiencing a complication, you will be helped.”
Qn IV: Mine Actually, is a concern. I don’t know if the ladies we give money to buy pregnancy pills, lie to us that the pills didn’t work, because there is a trend like people are claiming that pills are not working.
Nuwenshaba’s Response: it’s hard to face them (women) to confirm that they are pregnant. So,I don’t want to involve myself in women’s issues a So, I don’t really want to go through those things. But the pills are working perfectly.
Qn V: Safe abortion, because if I know I will get care afterwards. When I know there is food, there is no reason why I shouldn’t get hungry. So, if there is care after abortion, whether safe or not, then that is self-encouraging and self-abortion.
Prof Kajabwangu’s Response: Thank you. Okay, so your question is the same question as, if there are ARVs, why should we bother to reduce on the number of people getting HIV, because they are going to take drugs, But here is the thing, using the example of ARVs and HIV, even if you are going to take ARVs and you will be okay, your life will never be the same. You are going to still deal with very many issues, socially and even medically.
We know that your body is never the same even when you are taking AIRVs. Going back to the issue of abortion some of the complications that we manage, yes, you get the care, but there are still a risk of you getting some life-changing complications, like that girl whose uterus we removed. Beautiful girl. I mean, we were in theatre and we just kept wondering how she was going to live life after, Yes, she got post-abortion care, but that is not going to change. So there will be a number who will get post- abortion care and everything will be okay, but there will also be those who will still have lifelongeffects from unsafe abortions. So like those who lose their uterus, we still have deaths.
Qn VI: Are herbs the appropriate treatment or medication?
Prof Kajabwangu’s Response: No. Then the place she does it from, her home, is that the appropriate place? No. So it's not meeting the three criteria, right place, right person, right technique and equipment. So what I explained, it's about whether the person is skilled and
qualified. So you will have a traditional birth attendant, an old woman. She gives you herbs, that’s all not right.
Qn VII: I'm asking apart from the referral, where else can one go to get post-abortion care?
Prof Kajabwangu’s Response: Yes. So Marie Stopes, like she has said, is helping out. But there has been a campaign to equip all health center force.
So count the health center IVs for example. We have the city health center VI. Which other one? That's the only health center in Mbarara city. But we have Bwizibwera. We have, another in Isngiro, we have quite a number. I think even in Kabuyanda. All those have facilities to provide post-abortion care.
Qn VIII: Abortion is illegal. Do you bother reporting that to police? Because what she did was a criminal matter.
Nuwenshaba’s Response: I think that we can call it an attempted abortion. But an abortion, you can’t do an abortion, and then part of it comes out, and then the other one grows. It is either someone tried, and then bled a little, and then it stopped. Like any other pregnancy, someone can have a pregnancy, and slightly bleed from the placenta bed, and still the pregnancy continues to grow. When this person comes to the health facility, we don’t have evidence that they attempted to abort. Because unsafe abortion and the other safe abortion, they usually present the same signs.
All women are going to present with so much pain and bleeding. So, how will I hold someone and take them to police and say they terminated their pregnancy? We don’t have evidence. And again, in our profession, if a woman comes to you for any health concern, you cannot tell even a husband about her case. I can’t unless she asks me to tell the husband. So, that is how difficult it is. No, we are not committing crime. We are saving lives.
PANELISTS
1: Prof Rodger Kajabwangu the President of Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Uganda, and a Gynecology Consultant at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH)
2: Pleasure Nuwenshaba, a midwife and maternal Health Advocate at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
Rapporteur; Edson Kinene
Links to stories produced at the media cafe:
https://nilepost.co.ug/health/327047/health-maternal-health-post-abortion-care-ankole-mbarara-regional-referral-hospital-uganda
https://parrotsug.com/ugandas-abortion-debate-between-law-policy-public-health/
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/health/medics-raise-alarm-over-rising-abortion-relat-NV_229947_032026
https://tmafrica.co.ug/news/medics-practitioners-mbarara-advocate-legal-safe-abortion-curb-maternal-deaths
https://wallnetnews.com/maternal-deaths-rise-in-mbarara-as-unsafe-abortions-alarm-health-experts/
https://ugandaradionetwork.net/story/maternal-deaths-from-abortion-rising-in-mbarara-medics-warn
https://rwenzorifm.com/its-important-you-seek-help-to-reduce-the-risk-of-complications-from-a-
spontaneous-miscarriage-or-an-incomplete-abortion/
https://rwenzorifm.com/access-to-safe-and-legal-abortion-services-is-a-far-reach-for-women-and-girls-in-uganda/
https://x.com/i/status/2031721122740244966
https://www.facebook.com/groups/565096297018626/permalink/2963521537176078/
https://x.com/i/status/2031763147883745378
https://x.com/i/status/2031740346841907711m
