AJ Ruth

Health and the Law; litigating health matters still a challenge ❝ Eleven years ago, Dr. @MulumbaMoses_ and other lawyers pioneered the justiciability of the right to health through litigation that challenged systemic barriers and health system gaps. They however, noted that law students in Uganda were missing out on practical aspects of litigating the right to health and; thus, in 2014, they launched the “Annual National Inter-University Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition”; Hoping to interest and raise a cohort of lawyers who can litigate the right to health. ❞ Learn more about the #CEHURDMoot from this article written by @AJRuth3 | 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙇𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 » watchdoguganda.com/op-ed/20250826…

After over 7 years of litigation, a positive ruling was delivered by the High Court of Uganda (Covil Division) in Miscellaneous Cause No. 327 of 2016, a case involving CEHURD and Nakayima Fatumah against the Executive Director, Mulago National Referral Hospital, and the Attorney General. Today, we are convening a press conference to disseminate the declarations and orders of the court to relevant stakeholders. Access Ruling at » bit.ly/3HGiuAY #SafetyInHealthFacilities

Through our legal aid clinic and the toll-free [0800300044], CEHURD has handled maternal health related cases, with the aim of securing justice and advocate for systems that ensure the well-being of mothers and their newborns in public hospitals. CEHURD has been involved in significant legal victories related to maternal health in Uganda, such as this » bit.ly/3HGiuAY. This demonstrates our continued efforts to use public interest litigation as a means to protect the rights of women and ensure access to justice in the area of maternal health care. ~ @AJRuth3 | Acting manager | Strategic litigation - CEHURD

In 1966, a ghost was born in the High Court of Uganda. This wicked creature has haunted the hallways, chambers, and registries of the country’s Judiciary for nearly sixty years. Many lawyers, judges, activists, government officials, journalists, scholars, politicians, royals, and presidents have faced its wrath and vengeance for trying to kill it. It is so powerful that churches, mosques, and shrines have shied away from doing anything to send it back to hell. As with most ghouls, few people have ever seen it. Some sightings, sounds, and strange incidents have been reported in the dark basement parking lots, the deserted courtyard, and the library, but witnesses say they were too frightened by its appearance that they did not have the presence of mind to pull out their phones and take a picture or record the formless countenance of the marauding spirit. Its dark, flowing robes make it difficult to tell it apart from lawyers and judges, both of whom dress in similar fashion. However, its fingerprints and handwriting can be found in rulings and judgments made by the Ugandan bench. The Political Question Doctrine (PQD) is one of its most common symptoms: here, judges shy away from resolving an issue because it is “political” and should be addressed by either Parliament or the Executive. It is a dishonest, but effective way of avoiding responsibility or exercising judicial mandate. Last week, the spirit flew North, crossed the Sahel, swam through the Mediterranean, leaped across Southern Europe and did not stop until it found its way to the premises of the International Court of Justice. It was tired of playing in the minor Ugandan league, and was determined to announce its existence to the whole world. The phantom roamed the hallowed halls of the global court and when it saw Justice Julia Sebutinde’s chamber, it knew it had found a willing host. African Christian fundamentalists like her make the best mediums for evil spirits. All night, it lurked and waited until she came in for work on Friday morning. Her diary had just one major item to handle: a ruling on the provisional measures sought by South Africa to stop the Anglo-American genocide being conducted by Israel in the Gaza Strip. Julia had heard the submissions, read the mountains of evidence presented, and had been horrified by the images and footage of the carnage coming out of the Strip. But the spirit was already in charge of her mental faculties and she didn’t care anymore for the fate of the Palestinians. With the stroke of her Parker pen, Julia condemned the two million Gazans to even more death at the hands of Israel’s air, land, and sea onslaught. She wrote thus: “In my respectful dissenting opinion the dispute between the State of Israel and the people of Palestine is essentially and historically a political one, calling for a diplomatic or negotiated settlement, and for the implementation in good faith of all relevant Security Council resolutions by all parties concerned, with a view to finding a permanent solution whereby the Israeli and Palestinian peoples can peacefully coexist.  It is not a legal dispute susceptible of judicial settlement by the Court.  Some of the preconditions for the indication of provisional measures have not been met.  South Africa has not demonstrated, even on a prima facie basis, that the acts allegedly committed by Israel and of which the Applicant complains, were committed with the necessary genocidal intent, and that as a result, they are capable of falling within the scope of the Genocide Convention.  Similarly, since the acts allegedly committed by Israel were not accompanied by a genocidal intent, the Applicant has not demonstrated that the rights it asserts and for which it seeks protection through the indication of provisional measures are plausible under the Genocide Convention.  The provisional measures indicated by the Court in this Order are not warranted.” The ghost… 1/2

Over the years, CEHURD has litigated cases on Reproductive Justice, and these efforts have been documented in an analysis titled ❝The Journey of Litigating Reproductive Justice Cases; Lessons from Uganda❞ This paper demonstrates CEHURD's commitment to leveraging legal redress for a positive social impact on health, human rights and development. Access paper here » bit.ly/4aoWUOv

As we wrap up the year, members of the Legal Suppprt Network (LSN), CSMMUA, and the LIRA programme, have convened to reflect on the journey of litigating Reproductive Justice cases, and the Harm Reduction Model in Uganda. We will delve into a deeper understanding of the concept of reproductive justice, share valuable insights and lessons learned. #LSNAtWork #LIRAProgramme #HarmReduction

❝Restrictive laws, inadequate resources and negative societal mindsets perpetuate unsafe abortions, leading to preventable deaths and adverse complications. Embracing the harm reduction principles would go a long way in promoting rights such as a right to access to information and healthcare, privacy, confidentiality, autonomy and enhancing access to post-abortion care.❞ Prof. @DanKKaye1 | @AOGU1985 | training on the harm reduction model. #LIRAProgramme

❝Reproductive Justice is grounded in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The legal framework, health system and community participation & involvement, among others, are key for the realization of reproductive justice and freedom. The enabling factors for Reproductive Justice include recognition of sexual autonomy, promotion of gender equality, commitment by the State to respect, promote, protect and fulfill human rights, access to specific community based resources and sustained organized momentum and activism.❞ Ruth Ajalo giving an overview of #ReproductiveJustice #LIRAProgramme @afyanahakiug

In group discussions, the team has shared lessons, opportunities, and challenges based on their experience in advancing reproductive justice. Notable challenges highlighted include inadequate documentation, political, cultural, and religious obstacles, costly litigation, client case abandonment, and regressive laws related to #ReproductiveJustice. Identified opportunities include enhanced multisectoral collaboration, involving the pharmaceutical society in achieving Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and intensified advocacy efforts. #LIRAProgramme @afyanahakiug

"When women are violated, they are affected emotionally, physically and financially which cripples their contribution towards the development of the country, however, this can be changed if we all come together and advocate for their rights." ED-Ms. Regina Bafaki

We have convened a validation meeting with lawyers and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to provide feedback and recommendations on a paper developed by a consultant that explores the litigation journey of reproductive justice cases in Uganda. #LIRAProgramme

The lady in this photo is called "Agenorwot Jackline" she worked at my home as a maid for one month. On Sunday while I and my family went to church she decided to stay with an excuse that she had a lot to do at home.

The #Uganda National Conference on Health, Human Rights and Development will take place from 26-29 September 2023. For registration details, follow the information on the flyer @cehurduganda

Don't miss! Our program officer, @AJRuth3 will be discussing the role of the state in child protection, tomorrow 5th.8.23 6pm in a conversation hosted by the Rotary Club (@SaturdayEJazz). Join us via Meeting ID : 9791225861 Passcode : JAZZ@23

❝CEHURD’s strategic litigation approach has been instrumental in strengthening health systems. By utilizing health workers as witnesses in strategic cases, CEHURD has shed light on systemic issues and advocated for policy reforms. ~ @AJRuth3 Read > bit.ly/47c8smx 1/2

"The impact of Strategic Litigation goes beyond individual cases; it paves way for systemic change, driving govts to fulfil their obligations and uphold the rights of citizens." @AJRuth3 makes a presentation on “Litigating Maternal Health Rights in Uganda” #RHNKConference2023

CEHURD is participating in the 6th RHNK Annual Scientific Conference on Adolescent and Youth SRHR happening at #Diani in Kwale County, Kenya under the theme: Localization of Global AYSRHR Commitments. Well represented by our Programme Officer, Ms. Ruth Ajalo. #RHNKConference2023

The 10th Annual National Inter-University Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition is here! Theme;❝Advancing Reproductive Health and Gender Justice in Uganda❞ Universities with law faculties are invited to Register » bit.ly/3ClrusE by June 30th, 2023. #CEHURDMoot23

Women continue to die every day because of preventable causes like the absence of basic maternal health commodities (Gloves, Mama kits, blood) among others. #UgandaHealthExhibition