– By Calvin Obita, Lawyer and Chief Clerk 11th CEHURD Moot

I had the privilege of serving as Chief Clerk in a highly impactful 11th Annual National Inter-University Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition organized by the Center for Health, Human Rights, and Development (CEHURD). The theme, “Balancing Competing Priorities in Championing Reproductive Rights and Gender Equality in Uganda,” could not have been more timely or relevant to the challenges we face as a nation.

In my role, I was responsible for facilitating the smooth running of the proceedings, which allowed me to interact closely with the distinguished panel of judges and the brilliant participants who put forth compelling legal arguments on some of the most pressing issues facing Uganda today. These included access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, and the government’s responsibility in ensuring safe and legal access to reproductive healthcare, including the right to safe termination of pregnancy.

The moot problem was a poignant reflection of the real-world dilemmas in Uganda’s health and legal landscape. It tackled critical issues such as:

– The failure to provide adequate sexual and reproductive health services and how this violates constitutional guarantees of health rights.

– Discrimination in the workplace, particularly against pregnant women, and its broader impact on gender equality and women’s mental and physical health.

– The lack of laws and policies to ensure safe abortions, contributing to alarming maternal mortality rates, which remains a pressing concern.

– The unequal access to healthcare based on religious affiliations and how such disparities deepen existing inequalities in society.

Being part of this moot made me acutely aware of the delicate balance needed to champion reproductive rights while considering cultural, religious, and societal priorities. The legal arguments presented during the competition explored the tension between ensuring individual freedoms and health rights versus state and community interests, sparking thought-provoking discussions on how Uganda can move forward.

– Calvin

This experience not only sharpened my understanding of these issues but also reaffirmed the vital role of legal advocacy in addressing reproductive rights and gender equality in Uganda. The engagement and dedication of CEHURD in organising this moot reminded me of the importance of relentless advocacy in shaping a future where every individual has equal access to health rights, regardless of gender or circumstance.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to this significant platform, which has added so much to my professional growth and my appreciation of human rights law. Moving forward, I am inspired to continue engaging with these critical issues and supporting efforts that drive positive change in Uganda and beyond.