By Buule Malcom Samuel
Stepping out of the lecture halls and into the bustling offices of the Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD) was like flipping a switch. Suddenly, the legal theories I had diligently absorbed in textbooks sprang to life, pulsating with the urgency of real-world human rights struggles. My internship at CEHURD wasn’t just a resume builder; it was a profound journey that reshaped my understanding of social justice and advocacy for health rights in Uganda.
More than just paperwork: The Human Face of Advocacy
Before CEHURD, my idea of legal work was largely confined to the law library and intricate legal arguments. What struck me immediately at CEHURD was the deep human element at the core of their mission. Every case, every policy brief, every community outreach program was driven by tangible needs and rights of individuals.
I remember one particular afternoon, poring over affidavits related to a maternal health case. The statistics on maternal mortality in Uganda are sobering enough, but reading the personal accounts of families who had lost loved ones due to preventable complications-the grief, the frustration, the demand for accountability was truly humbling. It was a powerful reminder that behind every legal document is a life, a story and fight for dignity.
– Malcom Buule
Diving deep: My Role in the fight for Health Rights
My tasks at CEHURD were incredibly diverse, offering me a holistic view of human rights advocacy. My days were not only filled with conducting legal research for a strategic public interest litigation case, nor shifting through national and international legal frameworks to build a robust argument but also extended to drafting policy briefs aimed at influencing health legislation.
I also had an opportunity to witness firsthand the power of community engagement when I participated in community engagements in Aletbong District in Northern Uganda. I traveled with two colleagues who gave me the chance to experience community visits firsthand. Our objective was to conduct mobile Legal Aid camps, which aimed at providing legal services and sharing important information with the communities. During the visits, I gained a deeper understanding of the real legal challenges people face and offered legal advice where I could. I believe that those who received this information experienced meaningful changes in their lives.
CEHURD understands that legal change isn’t just about court victories; it’s about empowering communities to know and demand their rights. Observing workshops where health rights were demystified for ordinary citizens was incredibly inspiring. It reminded me that true advocacy is a collaborative effort, bridging the gap between legal expertise and lived experiences.
Beyond internship
My internship at CEHURD was far more than a professional experience; it was a transformative one. It solidified my passion for human rights law and equipped me with the practical skills that no text book could ever teach. I learned the importance of resilience, the power of collaboration and the profound impact that dedicated legal professionals can have on society.
Leaving CEHURD, I carry with me not just a deeper understanding of health and human rights but a renewed sense of purpose. It ignited a fire within me to continue contributing to a more just and equitable world, where everyone has the right to health and dignity.
The writer is a lawyer and a member of the Makerere University Public Interest Law Clinic (PILAC), who was on secondment to CEHURD from the Makerere School of Law.